Little Caesar (Mervyn LeRoy, 1931, USA)

Little Caesar is noteworthy for being among the three pre-Code gangster films that came to define the genre (the other two being Scarface and The Public Enemy). Caesar also presented a breakout role for Edward G. Robinson, a Hollywood stalwart who would go on to have a multi-decade career. His diminutive but ferocious presence as the titular Caesar Enrico "Little Caesar" Bandello became an iconic role. Based on the 1929 novel by W.R. Burnett, Caesar was directed by Mervyn LeRoy - one of the most notable directors from Warner Bros.' stable of talent during the 1930s - whose other major credits include I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang (1932) and Gold Diggers of 1933 (1933).

As with most early talkies, there is a staginess and theatricality to Little Caesar. Largely composed of static shots, Caesar follows Rico's trajectory from an outsider to the head of the Chicago mob. In the meantime, his friend Joe Massara wants to pursue his career as a dancer. Douglas Fairbanks Jr. plays the strikingly handsome Joe, who wants to protect his girlfriend Olga (Glenda Farrell) from his life of crime. The trope of the innocent brought into the world of crime is a common one that would repeat throughout gangster films, including Scarface.

The workmanlike quality of Caesar is punctuated by Robinson's memorable performance. It is easy to see why Robinson became a star after this role. There are several iconic lines. The film's finale, in which the gangster must inevitably get his comeuppance, is also quite memorable. Robinson's expression when he hears the news report about his cowardice in the flophouse is perhaps the most memorable in the entire film. While Little Caesar is perhaps not as striking as the original Scarface, it is nevertheless an entertaining early entry into the gangster film and a great introduction.

7/10