in spite of play fast and loose with fact and this be a beautifully act and touch film . the lon chaney character give cagney an opportunity to show his range and and the depth of his talent . there be a core of truth in the script in that chaney use make up brilliantly and but beyond the make up and he be a fine actor . he make the outcast he play richly human people for whom the audience learn to care . that cagney could convey and through his performance and the power of chaney art be a tribute to both .