‘Angels with Dirty Faces’: There’s Nothing Gutsy About Gangsterism

James Cagney’s character Rocky Sullivan once again shows that a gangster is not a role model for young boys.

Rocky Sullivan (James Cagney, C) influences young men (Backstreet Boys) toward the dark side, in "Angels with Dirty Faces." Warner Bros

NR | 1h 37min | Drama | 1938

Director Michael Curtiz’s film shows that it may be hard, but never impossible, to challenge a culture that idolizes lawless violence, greed, and selfishness.