Little Caesar
Little Caesar

Little Caesar

1931Movie79 minEnglish

A small-time hood shoots his way to the top, but how long can he stay there?

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Insights

IMDb7.4/10
Rotten Tomatoes93%
Google Users89%
Director: Mervyn LeRoyGenres: Crime, Drama, Gangster

Plot Summary

Rico, an ambitious hoodlum, arrives in Chicago with dreams of becoming a top mob boss. He quickly rises through the ranks of organized crime through sheer ruthlessness and cunning, eliminating rivals and forming alliances. However, his ascent is challenged by a rival gangster named Joe Massara and the persistent Lieutenant Flannigan, leading to a violent confrontation that determines Rico's ultimate fate.

Critical Reception

Little Caesar was a groundbreaking film that helped define the gangster genre. Critically, it was praised for its fast pace, raw depiction of crime, and Edward G. Robinson's iconic performance as Rico. Audiences were captivated by the film's thrilling narrative and its unflinching look at the criminal underworld, making it a major commercial success and a cultural phenomenon.

What Reviewers Say

  • Edward G. Robinson delivers a mesmerizing and unforgettable performance as the ambitious gangster Rico.
  • The film's gritty realism and fast-paced narrative set a new standard for the crime genre.
  • It is a landmark film that effectively captured the public's fascination with mobsters during the Prohibition era.

Google audience: Viewers overwhelmingly praise 'Little Caesar' for its compelling story and Edward G. Robinson's standout performance, calling it a classic gangster film that remains thrilling even today. Many appreciate its historical significance and impact on the genre.

Fun Fact

Edward G. Robinson's portrayal of Rico was so convincing and popular that it overshadowed Humphrey Bogart's role, leading to Robinson being typecast as a tough guy for much of his career.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

2 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

Edward G. Robinson is great in this early gangster talkie. He is "Rico", a clever and ambitious petty thief who decides it's time to move to the big city. Initially, he goes to work for "Sam Vettori" (Stanley Fields) but not long after, the...
John Chard

John Chard

You tell him the cops couldn't get me no other way, so they hired a couple of gunmen. Rico Bandello quickly rises through the gangster ranks, earning himself the nick-name of Little Caesar. As he sets his sights on the top boss job held ...