James Cagney

James Cagney has always been one of my favorite actors from the early 1930's. In those fast-talking, fast-action pictures that Warner Brothers excelled at making in the "pre-code" era, he had it over just about any other male star at the studio. His roles as the street wise tough guy just bowled me over the first time I saw films like "The Public Enemy" and "Smart Money" but he could also be hilarious, as I find him in "Footlight Parade". I can't think of any films of his that I've seen that are terrible (but I must admit I haven't seen much of his post-40's work) and fortunately, TCM plays his movie often, so do yourself a favor and check out more of his films, you won't be disappointed.

Three stills from "The Public Enemy" (1931)

An early promotion photo with Cagney's wife, Frances Willard Cagney, and Joan Blondell
(hat tip to Laughing Magpie for the wife ID)

Jimmy and Joanie, again!

A couple with Mae Clarke from "Lady Killer" (1933)

With Eric Linden in "The Crowd Roars" (1932)

With Ann Dvorak in, again, "The Crowd Roars"

Getting cozy with Alice White in "Picture Snatcher" (1933)