White Heat

A psychopathic mobster, Cody Jarrett, is released from prison and immediately plans a revenge killing. He is aided by his devoted mother and his seemingly loyal second-in-command, Hank Fallon, who is secretly an undercover agent. As Cody becomes increasingly unhinged, he masterminds a series of daring robberies while trying to evade the law and his own paranoia.

White Heat is widely considered a masterpiece of the gangster genre and a prime example of film noir. James Cagney's electrifying performance as Cody Jarrett earned him critical acclaim, solidifying his status as an iconic screen tough guy. The film's raw energy, brutal violence, and unforgettable climax have cemented its place as a classic.

• James Cagney delivers an unforgettable, terrifying performance as a mama's boy gangster.

• A quintessential gangster film known for its unrelenting pace and shocking violence.

• Raoul Walsh's direction creates a tense and atmospheric noir classic.

Google audience: Audience reviews frequently praise James Cagney's intense and iconic portrayal of Cody Jarrett, often citing it as the film's greatest strength. Many viewers also commend the film's gripping narrative, memorable dialogue, and its status as a landmark in the gangster genre.

The iconic final scene, where Cody Jarrett climbs the oil tanks and screams 'Made it, Ma! Top of the world!', was not originally written into the script. James Cagney improvised the line himself during the shoot.