rating:
(out of
4 stars)United States; 1949
Directed by Raoul Walsh; produced by Louis F. Edelman; screenplay by Ivan Goff, Ben Roberts
Starring James Cagney, Virginia Mayo, Edmond O'Brien, Margaret Wycherly, Steve Cochran, John Archer
James Cagney brings his gangster films from the 1930s (like 'The Public Enemy') together with film noir which results in 'White Heat', one of Raoul Walsh's great films. It shows a bank robber with a mother complex, based on the actual story of the sons of Kate "Ma" Barker (which also inspired the Boney M song Ma Baker) and their relationship. There are no slow moments to be found in this terrific noir.
Cagney is Cody Jarrett, a crazy gang leader who, in order to escape the gas chamber, admits to a different robbery he really committed. Now, in another state, he is only sentenced to two years. In prison his cell mate is undercover cop Hank, calling himself Vic Pardo, who is there to learn where the money from Cody's real robbery is. After saving Cody's life, Vic is entrusted by Cody. After Cody's mother dies, he goes nuts and escapes together with Vic.
Since this film was made while the Hays Producton Code was still there we know Cody is doomed, but the way towards his end is a terrific thrill ride. Cody the robber, Cody the prisoner and Cody the crazy man are three different interesting episodes, linked together through Cagney's great performance. The mother fixation delivers the more interesting and most famous scenes in the film, including the one where he receives the news in prison. He goes berserk.
Seeing Cagney do the things he did so well many years earlier is enough to recommend this great film. Luckily for us, he is surrounded by much more. 'White Heat' brings supporting characters almost as interesting as Cody himself. Virginia Mayo is his wife, although she has her eyes on Big Ed (Steve Cochran), who not only wants to take the dame, but the leadership of the gang as well. Cody and mother are on to them, ironically giving Vic a chance to save Cody's life before bringing him down himself.