Great Guy | 1936 | Crime | Drama | Film Noir

Title: Great Guy Year: 1936 Director: John G. Blystone Producers: Douglas MacLean Production Company: Zion Meyers Productions Runtime: 66 minutes Country: United States Language: English Format: Black and White, Mono Sound Genres: Crime, Drama, Film Noir --- Synopsis: In this crime drama, ex-boxer Johnny Cave (James Cagney) is appointed as the new deputy inspector for the New York Department of Weights and Measures after his predecessor is nearly killed in a car accident orchestrated by corrupt politician Marty Cavanaugh. Johnny is determined to root out corruption and takes on dishonest merchants and politicians who are cheating the public. Despite facing bribes, threats, and personal challenges—including tension with his fiancée, Janet Henry (Mae Clarke)—Johnny remains steadfast in his mission to uphold justice. --- Cast: James Cagney as Johnny "Red" Cave Mae Clarke as Janet Henry James Burke as Patrick James Aloysius "Pat" Haley Edward Brophy as Pete Reilly Henry Kolker as Abel Canning Bernadene Hayes as Hazel Scott Edward McNamara as Captain Pat Hanlon Robert Gleckler as Marty Cavanaugh Joe Sawyer as Joe Burton Edward Gargan as Henchman Al Matty Fain as Henchman Tim Mary Gordon as Mrs. Ogilvie Wallis Clark as Joel Green Douglas Wood as Mayor --- Production Notes: Great Guy marked James Cagney's first film after leaving Warner Bros. and signing with the independent studio Grand National Pictures. The screenplay was based on stories by James Edward Grant that appeared in The Saturday Evening Post in the early 1930s. The film's technical adviser was Charles M. Fuller, the Los Angeles County Sealer of Weights and Measures, lending authenticity to the depiction of the department's work. --- Legacy: While not as commercially successful as some of Cagney's other films, Great Guy has been noted for its portrayal of civic integrity and the fight against corruption. The film showcases Cagney's signature charisma and has been appreciated for its brisk pacing and engaging narrative. --- Trivia: The film's runtime is approximately 66 minutes, though some versions list it as 75 minutes. Great Guy is in the public domain, making it widely available through various distributors and platforms. The character Johnny Cave's unwavering commitment to justice reflects the era's emphasis on moral fortitude in the face of widespread corruption. --- Curated Hashtags: #GreatGuy1936 #JamesCagney #FilmNoir #ClassicCinema #CrimeDrama #MaeClarke #PublicDomainFilm #1930sMovies