In a pre-Godfather era, the war for the best gangster films is a three way struggle – Scarface, The Public Enemy and Little Caesar. Frankly, the comparison is inevitable but unfair. Each of them is a masterpiece in its own right. Directed by Mervyn LeRoy, film made a star out of Edward Robinson.
Small time goon Rico come to Chicago for a better life. He joins a gang. His boss has mellowed down by time but he is ready rage. He kills the commissioner and becomes hero in echelons of underworld. Slowly he controls his gang. He loses his friend Joe who accompanied him to Chicago for a more respectable life. His growth is literally unheralded and he becomes Little Caesar of Chicago ousting other big fishes. Joe proved to be his Achilles heel and Little Caesar is exhumed in probably one of the most riveting climaxes of the age.
Apart from strong performances by actors – especially Robinson who caught public attention after this film and Fairbanks Jr., the film was revolutionary from cinematography aspect. The New Year Eve robbery scene is still studied in lengths in classes. Little Caesar is also remembered for the catch phrase ‘You can dish it out, but you got so you can't take it no more’ and the climax utterance ‘Mother of Mercy! Is this the end of Rico?’.
Ranked at #9 on AFIs list of Best Gangster Movies is definitely a must watch for people who love classics.
Written By: Sujoy Ghosh
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