Directed by Mervyn LeRoy • 1931 • United States
Starring Edward G. Robinson, Douglas Fairbanks Jr., Glenda Farrell

Edward G. Robinson shot to stardom with his electrifying performance in this landmark gangster drama about a man who ruthlessly murders his way to the top of the mob. Small-time, small-town hood Cesare Enrico “Rico” Bandello (Robinson) vows to rule the rackets and not be “just another mug.” With his friend Joe Massara (Douglas Fairbanks Jr.), Rico moves to the city, where he uses murder—including the assassination of the police commissioner—to advance rapidly within the rackets . . . until he attempts to take over the entire underworld.