as robert sklar notes: the final sequence recalls classic horror of the period. the gangster, in his final moment, embodies the mummy or frankenstein, he is an abomination.

Not my favorite gangster film. It plods along at a rather slow pace and the sound transfer for the DVD release is not the best which makes it difficult to hear at times. The early signs of Cagney's penchant for gangster flicks is certainly present but it is rather off, it hasn't been refined into the classic Cagney that the audience would later adore. Such an essential movie though if nothing else to see how Cagney would evolve into perhaps the greatest gangster of the silver screen.

Great cinematography and an excellent performance by James Cagney make for a solid gangster film.