Angels with Dirty Faces
Angels with Dirty Faces Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 15, 2026
Movie Overview: Angels with Dirty Faces
| Movie | Angels with Dirty Faces |
| Release Year | 1938 |
| Director | Michael Curtiz |
| Genre | Crime / Drama |
| Runtime | 97 minutes (1h 37m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Angels with Dirty Faces (1938) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a SUPER HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.5/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Crime.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in Angels with Dirty Faces are led by James Cagney . The supporting cast, including Pat O'Brien and Humphrey Bogart , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
Angels with Dirty Faces stands out as a strong entry in the Crime genre. The film benefits from engaging storytelling, memorable performances, and solid production values that help keep viewers invested.
- Compelling performances from the main cast
- Strong visual storytelling and direction
- Well-structured Crime narrative
- Satisfying emotional or dramatic payoff
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, Angels with Dirty Faces has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Crime fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: Angels with Dirty Faces
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1938, Angels with Dirty Faces is a Crime, Drama film directed by Michael Curtiz, written by John Wexley. The narrative dives into the criminal underworld with a grounded sense of realism and complex morality. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving James Cagney as Rocky Sullivan.
Ending Explained: Angels with Dirty Faces
Angels with Dirty Faces Ending Explained: Childhood chums Rocky Sullivan and Jerry Connelly grow up on opposite sides of the fence: Rocky matures into a prominent gangster, while Jerry becomes a priest, tending to the needs of his old tenement neighborhood. Directed by Michael Curtiz, this 1938 crime film stars James Cagney (Rocky Sullivan), alongside Pat O'Brien as Jerry Connolly, Humphrey Bogart as James Frazier, Ann Sheridan as Laury Ferguson. Rated 7.5/10 by audiences, the conclusion brings the story to a satisfying close.
What Happens at the End of Angels with Dirty Faces?
Childhood chums Rocky Sullivan and Jerry Connelly grow up on opposite sides of the fence: Rocky matures into a prominent gangster, while Jerry becomes a priest, tending to the needs of his old tenement neighborhood.
How Does James Cagney (Rocky Sullivan)'s Story End?
- James Cagney: James Cagney's arc reaches a definitive conclusion by the final act, with Michael Curtiz delivering a resolution that feels earned after the film's 1h 37m runtime.
- Pat O'Brien (Jerry Connolly): Pat O'Brien's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Humphrey Bogart (James Frazier): Humphrey Bogart's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of Angels with Dirty Faces Mean?
The ending of Angels with Dirty Faces ties together the narrative threads involving James Cagney. Michael Curtiz chooses a conclusion that prioritizes thematic consistency over surprise, resulting in an ending that rewards viewers who engaged with the story's central themes.
Angels with Dirty Faces Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is Angels with Dirty Faces Based on a True Story?
Yes, Angels with Dirty Faces draws from real criminal cases and investigative records. Directed by Michael Curtiz and starring James Cagney, this crime, drama film explores how real events have been adapted into a dramatic narrative.
Real Story vs Movie Version of Angels with Dirty Faces
The film balances factual inspiration with cinematic storytelling. Certain scenes are likely dramatized to enhance emotional impact.
Many viewers have praised the film for respecting the spirit of the real events.
Accuracy Assessment: Angels with Dirty Faces successfully adapts real-world inspiration into a compelling cinematic story. The film prioritizes thematic storytelling over strict documentary accuracy.
Who Should Watch Angels with Dirty Faces?
Highly Recommended For:
- Fans of Crime cinema looking for quality storytelling
- Viewers who appreciate well-executed genre storytelling
- Anyone seeking a well-crafted film that delivers on its promises
Box Office Collection: Angels with Dirty Faces
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $633.0K |
| Worldwide Gross | $1.7M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Angels with Dirty Faces Budget
The estimated production budget for Angels with Dirty Faces is $633.0K. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Where to Watch Angels with Dirty Faces Online?
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1938 AdvisoryWondering about Angels with Dirty Faces age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Angels with Dirty Faces (1938) is 97 minutes (1h 37m). Directed by Michael Curtiz, the film runs for 97 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 7.5/10, and global performance metrics, Angels with Dirty Faces is classified as a SUPER HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1938 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Angels with Dirty Faces worth watching?
Angels with Dirty Faces is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Crime movies. It has a verified rating of 7.5/10 and stands as a SUPER HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Angels with Dirty Faces parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Angels with Dirty Faces identifies it as NR. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of Angels with Dirty Faces (1938)?
The runtime of Angels with Dirty Faces (1938) is 97 minutes (approximately 1h 37m).
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
