The Roaring Twenties

The Roaring Twenties is a striking crime drama movie set in the exciting and tumultuous era of the 1920s, a time known for its relentless gangster activities. Released in 1939 under the meticulous direction of Raoul Walsh, this seminal gangster film boasts big names like James Cagney, Humphrey Bogart, and Priscilla Lane. These legends of the silver screen breathe life into a power-packed narrative steeped in history and the deep emotional nuances of its characters.

The movie centres around Eddie Bartlett (James Cagney), a genuine war hero returning to his civilian life in America post World War I. Saddled with the challenging socio-economic impact of the end of the war and the advent of the Prohibition era, Eddie slips into the ubiquitous and lucrative world of underground liquor trafficking. The film charts his escalating rise and inevitable fall within the nearly uncontrollable eddies of the criminal underworld.

Starring as James Cagney's character's closest compatriot is Humphrey Bogart, in the role of George Hally. George is a ruthless character whose moral compass sways in accordance with his personal ambition and hunger for power. Bogart's performance effectively captures the tension and character complexities integral to the plot.

The Roaring Twenties isn’t just a story of men from the underworld—it also includes an intriguing love story. Priscilla Lane plays Jean Sherman, a charming cabaret singer who is the object of Eddie Bartlett's unrequited love. Despite Eddie's tremendous affection for her, Jean sees him only as a friend and instead falls for Lloyd Hart, a suave lawyer portrayed by Jeffrey Lynn.

One of the movie's prominent highlights is the way it expertly uses authentic newsreel footage to provide historical context. This footage doesn't just serve as a transition between key events; it effectively propels the narrative forward while providing a vivid impression of the societal conditions of the era.

The Roaring Twenties employs dynamic character arcs, swiftly changing loyalties, the brutality of the Prohibition era, and the intricacies of friendship and love. The film's glittering mise-en-scène and elaborate plot offer a genuine portrayal of a distinctive era marked by rapid societal transformation. It is a flawless commentary on the social dynamics and moral ambiguities of a time when laws stemmed more from politically-driven morality than rational thought.

From its gripping opening sequences in the trenches of World War I to the transition into the lawless decade marked by the prohibition, that took the country by storm, to its dramatic crescendo in the throes of the Great Depression, the movie paints a picture of an America grappling with immense societal changes. There's an undercurrent of anxiety trapping the characters between their pasts and the harsh realities of their present, symbolized perfectly in the contradictory image of war heroes resorting to a life of crime.

Director Raoul Walsh's cinematic artistry shines brightly throughout the film. It includes his effective use of the Warner Bros. style to capture the grittiness of the era, his well-timed close-ups enhancing emotional depth, and the analog photography augmenting the storyline's mood. His directorial prowess coupled with the invincible on-screen performances by the cast, fashioned an engaging, thoughtful film that extends beyond the typical crime-gangster narrative.

Beyond its primary characters, the film’s supporting cast also breathes life into the unfolding drama. Actors like Frank McHugh, as Eddie's loyal sidekick, and Gladys George, as Panama Smith, demonstrate that every character has a story to tell in the grand narrative that is The Roaring Twenties.

The film is not just a crime drama; it explores the larger themes of loyalty, integrity, unfulfilled dreams, and the pursuit of ambition. It’s an exploration of a time when a lack of opportunities was the breeding ground for crime. It comments on the consequences of societal changes that result from hypocritical laws and political decisions.

In its 106-minute run-time, The Roaring Twenties manages to weave a compelling narrative that encapsulates the ambience of an era, the dynamics of friendship, the brutality of crime, and the power of unrequited love. It's a fervent piece of cinema that beautifully echoes the echoes of an era long gone but never forgotten. Its unblemished portrayal of the 1920s marks it as one of the most exceptional films of the genre. This film is a must-watch for anyone seeking to delve into the throes of an era marked by both forbidden indulgence and the pursuit of the American Dream.