Review: Little Caesar (1931)

Starring: Edward G. Robinson, Douglas Fairbanks Jr.

Co-Starring: Glenda Farrell, William Collier Jr., Sidney Blackmer
Directed by: Mervyn LeRoy
Other notable contributors: Darryl F. Zanuck and Hal B. Wallis - producers.

Favorite scene: Rico meeting Big Boy in his fancy apartment. Rico is out of his element amidst such luxury and his mannerisms are amusing in an otherwise serious film.

Favorite line: "You can dish it out, but you got so you can't take it no more." - Rico

Raves: Edward G. Robinson is fantastic as Caesar Enrico Bandello, a gang member who through smarts and force, eventually becomes one of the most powerful gang bosses in Chicago. Rico is a multi-dimensional character, who maybe isn't the biggest guy on the block, but is sure the toughest gangster in the neighborhood. Robinson is convincing not only as the tough guy, but also when depicting Rico's concern for friend Joe, played by Douglas Fairbanks Jr. shows through.

Rants: Some of the supporting acting is either over the top or not convincing. It can be a bit disappointing when Robinson is so great in his role.

My take: The film is fairly short, only about 80 minutes, and the pace never lags nor does the plot get boring. Even though the plot isn't exactly fresh to modern day audiences, Little Caesar was one of the earliest films to show the life of a big city gangster. In this respect, it's interesting to watch later gangster films, including modern ones, and see just how much influence Little Caesar had on the film genre.

Recommended if: Your in the mood for a good gangster film without a lot of violence but with a great main character.

Modern-Day Counterpart: Scarface (1983). This film is much more violent, but both films have similar story arcs depicting the rise and fall of a gangster.

Review: Twelve O'Clock High (1949)

Starring: Gregory Peck, Hugh Marlow, Gary Merrill

Co-Starring: Millard Mitchell, Dean Jagger
Directed by: Henry King
Other notable contributors: produced by Darryl F. Zanuck

Favorite scene: Brigadier General Savage (Peck) visiting a wounded pilot (Marlow) in the hospital.

Favorite line: "I never heard of a jury convicting the lawyer." - Major Stovall

Raves: Even though the film is about a WWII bomber group, this isn’t really a war movie. It’s more of a study of leadership and how Gregory Peck’s character is able to turn a “hard luck” bomber group into a successful unit despite resistance from his men. The film is very engrossing and the screenplay is well written. There is none of the usual overdone go-get-‘em mentality of most war films. Instead, the film depicts the real emotional damage war has on the people involved in a profound way.

Rants: None come to mind.

My take: My father has been trying to get both of us to watch Twelve O’Clock High for years, but I always shrugged it off as another war film (not my favorite genre). I’m glad I finally did watch it though, and I hope others don’t do what I did for so many years. While the film may not contain the snappy dialogue that I think makes other classic movies entertaining, it does have several short monologues or exchanges between characters that can be equally as engaging.

Recommended if: You're in the mood for a more thoughtful or thought provoking film.

Modern-Day Counterpart: The movie Gallipoli (1981) is similar in that it explores the effects of war on the solidiers fighting in it.