King of the Roaring '20s: The Story of Arnold Rothstein

King of the Roaring '20s: The Story of Arnold Rothstein is a 1961 American drama film that brings to life the adventurous tale of one of the most notorious figures from the Prohibition Era. Starring David Janssen as Arnold Rothstein, the movie successfully captures the rise and fall of the legendary gambler, racketeer, and purported mastermind behind the infamous 1919 World Series scandal. The film was directed by Joseph M. Newman, with a screenplay by Jo Eisinger and based on a book by Leo Katcher. It also features powerhouse performances from Dianne Foster, Jack Carson, Diana Dors, among others.

The film begins with the humble beginnings of the Jewish immigrant Rothstein, who is portrayed by Janssen. He grows up in the Lower East Side of New York City, a neighborhood filled with ambition, intrigue, and hustle. His father is a humble businessman who wants his son to live an honest life, but Rothstein envisions a life far more glamorous and risk-ridden. His relentless ambition, immense talents, and deep understanding of human greed, fear, and ambition make him one of the most successful and feared men in New York's underworld of gambling, bootlegging, and racketeering.

David Janssen's commanding portrayal of Arnold Rothstein is nothing short of spectacular. He adeptly captures the essence, charm, and menace of the infamous gambler, drawing the audience into his world. Rothstein was an enigmatic personality, a complex mix of ruthless mobster and refined gentleman. Regarded as the pioneer of organized crime in the United States, Rothstein exuded an irresistible charm, matched with an insatiable appetite for risk. Janssen's depiction of this character is nuanced, dynamic, and captivating.

Dianne Foster plays Carolyn Green, Rothstein's loyal and patient wife. Foster navigates the role with grace and poise, reflecting the quiet strength of a woman who stands by her man through thick and thin. Her character offers a different perspective of Rothstein, that of a devoted husband and caring man, hidden beneath his ruthless exterior.

The film also stars Jack Carson as mobster Timothy O'Connor, proving himself as a gifted character actor, displaying the fast-paced street smarts and tough exterior needed to survive in the dog-eat-dog world of organized crime. His interactions with Janssen add an exciting element of camaraderie and rivalry to the film.

The film's setting in the Roaring '20s is recreated lushly, immersing viewers into the world of speakeasies, ostentatious wealth, jazz, flappers, and bootlegging. The production design, costume, and music transport viewers back in time, lending authenticity to the narrative while also serving as an intriguing exploration of a transformative era in American history.

While the movie is an engaging spectacle that boasts stellar performances from its cast, it also poses thoughtful questions about ambition, morality, and the American Dream. It offers a dichotomous view of Rothstein's character, highlighting both his criminal activities and his role as a loving family man.

King of the Roaring '20s: The Story of Arnold Rothstein is paced like a riveting crime thriller, filled with suspense and action, complete with insightful character developments and evocative portrayals of the era. It is a film that depicts the enthralling world of Rothstein, his remarkable rise through the ranks of the underworld mob, and his eventual dramatic downfall.

Much more than a straightforward biography, the movie delves into the deeper aspects of Rothstein’s life and mind. It is a multi-faceted examination of a multifarious man—gambler, criminal mastermind, family man. It’s an engaging, thrilling, and ultimately tragic story of ambition, power, and the moral compromises one makes to achieve success.

A hit among fans of crime cinema and historical dramas, this movie offers a satisfying blend of action, suspense, and intriguing character exploration. Whether you're a fan of the genre or just a cinema enthusiast looking for an engaging epic, King of the Roaring ‘20s: The Story of Arnold Rothstein is a film that promises to deliver and does just that.