Scarface

In 1920s Chicago, Tony Camonte, a ruthless Italian immigrant, rises through the ranks of organized crime through violence and cunning. He ruthlessly eliminates rivals and builds his own criminal empire, all while maintaining a disturbingly possessive relationship with his sister, Cesca. His escalating ambition and brutal methods ultimately put him on a collision course with the law and his own violent destiny.

Scarface (1932) is widely regarded as a groundbreaking and highly influential gangster film. Its unflinching portrayal of violence and corruption, controversial at the time, cemented its status as a classic. Critics and audiences alike were struck by its raw energy, Paul Muni's powerful performance, and its stark depiction of the American dream twisted into a nightmare of crime.

• A brutally realistic and shocking depiction of gangster life that broke new ground for its time.

• Paul Muni delivers a commanding performance as the ambitious and ruthless Tony Camonte.

• The film's controversial themes and violent content made it a landmark in early cinema.

Google audience: Viewers praise "Scarface" for its intense portrayal of crime and its historical significance as a pioneering gangster film. Many are impressed by Paul Muni's performance and the film's enduring impact on the genre, though some acknowledge its dated elements.

None notable (though it was submitted for Academy Awards in its year, it did not win). Recognized by the American Film Institute as one of the greatest films in American cinema.

The infamous line "Say goodnight to the bad guy" was improvised by Paul Muni during a scene.