Question 1

What real-life inspiration did James Cagney use for his character Rocky Sullivan?

Accepted Answer

James Cagney drew on memories of a drug-addicted pimp from New York's Yorkville neighborhood, who hitched his trousers, twitched his neck, and said "Whadda ya hear! Whadda ya say!"—mannerisms that impressionists later mimicked.

Question 2

Why was 'Angels with Dirty Faces' banned in several countries?

Accepted Answer

Due to controversy over gangster films, it was banned outright in Denmark, China, Poland, Finland, and parts of Canada and Switzerland.

Question 3

How did James Cagney handle the Dead End Kids' ad-libbing on set?

Accepted Answer

When Leo Gorcey ad-libbed, Cagney stiff-armed him right above the nose, which made the gang behave after they had terrorized the set and stolen Humphrey Bogart's trousers.

Question 4

Which festivals or awards recognized 'Angels with Dirty Faces'?

Accepted Answer

It was recognized at the New York Film Critics Circle Awards in 1938 and 1939, the Academy Awards in 1939, and the Locarno International Film Festival in 1958.

Question 5

What is the central conflict between the two main characters in the film?

Accepted Answer

Childhood chums Rocky Sullivan and Jerry Connelly grow up on opposite sides: Rocky becomes a prominent gangster, while Jerry becomes a priest tending to their old tenement neighborhood.

Angels with Dirty Faces

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