the original theatrical trailer call james cagney portrayal of marty the gimp snyder an aggressive characterization . however it one thing to see cagney a a gritty mobster in film like public enemy and white heat where his aggression be express a an enemy of society . here he seem an even more threatening presence in a one on one situation with his protégé ruth etting ( doris day ) and a torch singer who get her start in 1920 era chicago . it such an effective performance that for once and i almost begin to dislike him a an actor and which probably go a long way to explain just how amazing he actually be . the film also keep you a bit off balance and a the drama and personal turmoil between ruth and marty be offset by a whole host of musical number during etting rise to stardom . act a her mentor and personal manager and snyder get it almost right when he state why just have half of chicago when she can have all of new york and a he land etting a gig with the ziegfield folly . leave chicago however be the beginning of the end for the couple and a snyder power and influence mean nothing outside his home territory . rebuff by business manager and show people and marty comeuppance spell disaster and ultimately lead to the movie title song finale to a pack house . in one last recognition of the impact marty have on her career and ruth repay the favor by headline his new club and allow him at least one more turn in the spotlight . it unusual to see doris day in the role of ruth etting and one associate her with light and more whimsical screen character and but she effective here nonetheless . her song number reflect the progress of etting career and her relationship with marty with title like ten cent a dance and mean to me and i will never stop loving you and and in the wind up and love me or leave me . it not your typical feel good story by the time it all over and nor do it try to be . one thing be certain though and and that the sentiment express to marty snyder just before the curtain fall you get ta give her credit and the girl can sing .