Only four years after his iconic portrayal of Tom Powers in "The Public Enemy," James Cagney switched alliances and played Brick Davis, a G Man or Federal Agent. Educated through the generosity of a racketeer, who eventually goes straight, Cagney is an unsuccessful lawyer. However, an old friend, who is a Federal agent, suggests that Cagney apply for a job with the FBI. When the friend is gunned down in the line of duty, Cagney decides to use his inside knowledge of the mob and pursue a career as a G-Man.
Although not as colorful as his gangster performances such as Rocky Sullivan or Cody Jarrett, Cagney nevertheless is always fun to watch, and he is as tough on the side of the law as he is on the wrong side. However, the fine cast of Warner Brothers stock character actors also shines, especially Barton MacLane, who makes Cagney's chief nemesis, Collins, particularly despicable. Lloyd Nolan, in his first film role, and Robert Armstrong as Cagney's fellow G-Men pale in comparison to the more interesting gang of thugs. Like Nolan and Armstrong, Margaret Lindsay is one of the good guys and provides somewhat bland love interest for Cagney. Meanwhile, Ann Dvorak as Lindsay's rival from the past hangs out with the gangsters and has some good moments, particularly a clumsy musical number near the film's opening.
Although William Keighley's direction is not particularly imaginative, heated gun battles, car chases, fistfights, and flashes of screaming newspaper headlines will keep viewers engrossed. While not among the greatest, "G Men" is a fine example of 1930's gangster films that is executed in a solid and entertaining, if unexceptional, style.
