A small-time criminal moves to a big city to seek bigger fortune.A small-time criminal moves to a big city to seek bigger fortune.A small-time criminal moves to a big city to seek bigger fortune.
- Nominated for 1 Oscar
- 2 wins & 1 nomination total
Thomas E. Jackson
- Sgt. Flaherty
- (as Thomas Jackson)
Nicholas Bela
- Ritz Colonna
- (as Nick Bela)
Ernie Adams
- Cashier
- (uncredited)
Elmer Ballard
- Undetermined Role
- (uncredited)
Ferike Boros
- Mrs. Passa
- (uncredited)
Kernan Cripps
- Detective
- (uncredited)
George Daly
- Machine-Gunner
- (uncredited)
Adolph Faylauer
- New Year's Celebrant
- (uncredited)
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaIn one scene, Edward G. Robinson had to fire a pistol while facing the camera. Try as he might, he was unable to keep his eyes open each time he pulled the trigger. The problem was eventually solved by having Robinson's eyes held open with cellophane tape.
- GoofsRico is hit by the bullet sufficiently to require bandaging by Scabby, but the overcoat he was wearing has no bullet hole in it, nor is there any trace of blood in the subsequent scene in Little Arnie's office.
- Quotes
[last lines]
Caesar Enrico Bandello: Mother of Mercy! Is this the end of Rico?
- Alternate versionsIn the 1954 re-release, a foreword crawl was added, warning that the "heroes" of Little Caesar and The Public Enemy (1931) represent "a problem that sooner or later we, the public, must solve." This version is often shown on cable channels.
- ConnectionsFeatured in Hollywood: The Fabulous Era (1962)
Featured review
Robinson's Performance Highlights A Good Production That Still Works
Edward G. Robinson's memorable performance in "Little Caesar" is rightfully one of his best-remembered roles. While he deserves also to be remembered for his versatility in many other performances as well, it's easy to see why this one in particular is still remembered. Along with James Cagney's role in "The Public Enemy", Robinson's portrayal here helped to exemplify the kinds of characters that for some time defined the genre.
The story is not without interest in itself, as it follows the rise and decline of various gangsters and their followers. The fragile nature of their form of 'power' comes across quite clearly, and of course there is plenty of action as well. It's not especially subtle, but it wasn't supposed to be. The supporting cast all give solid performances, but Robinson's character is always the center of attention. Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. has the most interesting character to work with among the supporting roles.
The story moves at a good pace, especially given its release date, and is over almost before you know it. Even aside from Robinson, it's one of the better features of the earliest years of sound movies, handling the dialogue and sound better than most. Like "The Public Enemy", it was set in its own time, but it's a good production overall that still works rather well decades later.
The story is not without interest in itself, as it follows the rise and decline of various gangsters and their followers. The fragile nature of their form of 'power' comes across quite clearly, and of course there is plenty of action as well. It's not especially subtle, but it wasn't supposed to be. The supporting cast all give solid performances, but Robinson's character is always the center of attention. Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. has the most interesting character to work with among the supporting roles.
The story moves at a good pace, especially given its release date, and is over almost before you know it. Even aside from Robinson, it's one of the better features of the earliest years of sound movies, handling the dialogue and sound better than most. Like "The Public Enemy", it was set in its own time, but it's a good production overall that still works rather well decades later.
helpful•180
- Snow Leopard
- Nov 14, 2005
- How long is Little Caesar?Powered by Alexa
Details
- Runtime1 hour 19 minutes
- Color
Contribute to this page
Suggest an edit or add missing content