warn . minor spoiler ahead . this film be an excellent 30 gangster flick and and far superior to another gangster movie that would be consider a classic and like goodfellas . this movie explore not only cagney criminal life and but his complex relationship with his real family and especially his straight lace brother . his brother seem rather funny today and a the actor play him go way over the top to make him seem stuffy and angelic . he speak in harsh tone and with an accent so different from his brother that it would seem comical today if an actor try that role . the film have a tragic end and a be show on premium cable the soprano ( or so i be tell . i have never see that show ) . cagney and compare to the guy who play his brother and be divine a an actor and and play the gangster role credibly while he a tough guy and a creep and but nowhere near the gonzo slimeballs that joe pesci and ray liotta play in goodfellas . cagney have a heart and for he respect his family and want sincerely to help them and but he his devotion to a life of crime also make him a consummate anti hero . he be cruel to his moll and play deliciously by jean harlow ( remember that scene with the grapefruit ) and and to his partner in crime . this be a great movie and and anyone who like the godfather will love this one .