Antonius Block This gangster film has it all – well-planned heists, cold-blooded murders, fast cars, double-crosses, snappy dialog, sophisticated criminals, and just as sophisticated cops. It's very smart, and Director Raoul Walsh keeps us on our toes without wasting a single moment in telling this story. Most of all, it has James Cagney, who is just fantastic. The film is both dark both in how it's shot, a classic film noir, and in its tone, as Cagney's character is sociopathic, wracked by migraines, and possibly insane. He is supported by a great cast, including Margaret Wycherly in the memorable role as his mother, whose toughness and depravity is gradually revealed. Edmond O'Brien is also strong in the role of the undercover G-man.One theme in the film is how easily (and violently) criminals will betray one another. Another is how advanced forensic and crime-fighting technology was in 1949, which is both impressive and may make you smile. The two of those put together serve as a strong anti-crime message, likely influenced by the production code, and yet, the film is gritty and pushes boundaries, so that it doesn't feel like a morality tale. Character motivations feel authentic. There are several iconic moments, the ending of course, but also Cagney returning and surprising his wife (Virginia Mayo) in the garage, and later staring at a rival (Steve Cochran) through the crack of a door. He is absolutely chilling when angry, and one can't help but be impressed by the great range he showed over his career. If you're in the mood for action and a dark crime film, 'White Heat' is very satisfying.

kathied-87395 James Cagney is my favorite actor and White Heat is his best performance. Cody Jarrett is a cold blooded ruthless gangster but you seem to root for him anyway. Cody Jarrett is always in control of the gang. The scene with the guy in the trunk of the car really explains a lot about his character. Margaret Wycherly is excellent as Ma Jarrett. You can feel the great chemistry between them. Their scenes together are amazing. Edmond O'Brien and Virginia Mayo give excellent performances. The movies keeps you riveted from the first scene to the last. This is one of my favorite movies from all time and I highly recommend it. Excellent.

punishmentpark A terrific crime flick with a great performance by James Cagney, even if over-acting is lurking in almost every corner. The same thing goes for the soundtrack by Max Steiner; most of the time it's great and exhilarating, but at some moments it's simply a little too much. These minor points hardly bothered me, though. The story - which is on the one hand a little too convenient at times but also pretty creative at other moments - is fast-paced and the movie is over before you know it.The other supporting roles are pretty good, too, but the beauty and presence of Virginia Mayo is really something else. Margaret Wycherly is also great as the dominant mother; she and this film múst have been some inspiration for Alfred Hitchcock's 'Psycho' (check some shots of the buildings in the beginning and that part of the line when they chase her, "dead ahead", it just keeps ringing), though I have no proof.The direction is quite good, with some wonderful cinematography here and there (the finale, for instance). As far as I'm aware, this is only the second Raoul Walsh film that I've seen ('High Sierra' is the other one, which is maybe even better), and so far he's turned out to be a terrific storyteller.9 out of 10.P.s.: was Cagney's voice an inspiration for the duck voice in Lucio Fulci's 'Lo squartatore di New York'? Sure sounded like it at times.

Prismark10 Raoul Walsh's film is bold with Freudian undertones with a staggering over the top performance from an ageing James Cagney as a ruthless and unhinged mama's boyWatching this film again it is noticeable that Cagney is too old for the role. He was almost 50 years old. He plays Cody Jarrett mean, nasty and nutty. We see him and his gang rob a train and cold blooded kill the driver and his mate because they heard his name being called out. When one of the gang members is injured in the heist he is happy to have him whacked.His beautiful blonde wife is treacherous and afraid of him. Its more than hinted he beats her up regularly. His right hand man wants him out of the way and wants his wife too. The only person he cares for his his mother. played by Margaret Wycherly. We never find out too much for the course of this close bond between mother and son. Jarret has one other problem, bouts of shooting pain in his head leading to blinding headaches.Edmond O'Brien plays the undercover cop who befriends Jarrett in prison and becomes a member of his gang in order to catch him in the act and find other more secretive gangsters.The film has a mix of noirish crime thriller with a documentary style of shooting and a deep cover genre film as O'Brien bonds with Jarrett in order to be trusted by him and then later betray him.The film is a classic, I think the film suffers because so many aspects are left unexplored because of censorship laws of the time.