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Never Steal Anything Small

  • 1959
  • Approved
  • 1h 34m
IMDb RATING
6.0/10
380
YOUR RATING
James Cagney, Shirley Jones, and Roger Smith in Never Steal Anything Small (1959)
ComedyDramaMusical

Jake MacIllaney will do just about anything to win the presidential election of longshoreman union Local 26. When he encounters young upright attorney Dan Cabot and Cabot's attractive wife, ... Read allJake MacIllaney will do just about anything to win the presidential election of longshoreman union Local 26. When he encounters young upright attorney Dan Cabot and Cabot's attractive wife, Linda, MacIllaney breaks up their marriage, pursues Linda, and pins a grand larceny rap on... Read allJake MacIllaney will do just about anything to win the presidential election of longshoreman union Local 26. When he encounters young upright attorney Dan Cabot and Cabot's attractive wife, Linda, MacIllaney breaks up their marriage, pursues Linda, and pins a grand larceny rap on Dan. And all set to music!

  • Director
    • Charles Lederer
  • Writers
    • Maxwell Anderson
    • Charles Lederer
    • Rouben Mamoulian
  • Stars
    • James Cagney
    • Shirley Jones
    • Roger Smith
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    6.0/10
    380
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • Charles Lederer
    • Writers
      • Maxwell Anderson
      • Charles Lederer
      • Rouben Mamoulian
    • Stars
      • James Cagney
      • Shirley Jones
      • Roger Smith
    • 10User reviews
    • 20Critic reviews
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • Awards
      • 2 nominations total

    Photos31

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    Top cast91

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    James Cagney
    James Cagney
    • Jake MacIllaney
    Shirley Jones
    Shirley Jones
    • Linda Cabot
    Roger Smith
    Roger Smith
    • Dan Cabot
    Cara Williams
    Cara Williams
    • Winnipeg Simmons
    Nehemiah Persoff
    Nehemiah Persoff
    • Pinelli
    Royal Dano
    Royal Dano
    • Words Cannon
    Anthony Caruso
    Anthony Caruso
    • Lt. Tevis
    Horace McMahon
    Horace McMahon
    • O. K. Merritt
    Virginia Vincent
    Virginia Vincent
    • Ginger
    Jack Albertson
    Jack Albertson
    • Sleep-Out Charlie Barnes
    Robert J. Wilke
    Robert J. Wilke
    • Lennie
    Herbie Faye
    Herbie Faye
    • Hymie
    Billy M. Greene
    Billy M. Greene
    • Ed Barton
    John Duke
    John Duke
    • Ward
    Jack Orrison
    • Osborne
    Roland Winters
    Roland Winters
    • Doctor
    Ingrid Goude
    Ingrid Goude
    • Model
    Sanford Seeger
    • Fats Ranney
    • Director
      • Charles Lederer
    • Writers
      • Maxwell Anderson
      • Charles Lederer
      • Rouben Mamoulian
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews10

    6.0380
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    Featured reviews

    5bkoganbing

    Singing And Dancing On the Waterfront

    James Cagney in his autobiography said that he never ran his old films at home with the exception of the musicals. Those he ran continuously and he regretted he didn't do more of them.

    Which is probably why towards the end of his film career he decided on a musical which had a certain amount of potential, but went sadly awry. Labor Unions were a big news back in the day. The hearings held by the McClellan Committee in the Senate made the doings of the Teamster's Union presidents, David Beck and Jimmy Hoffa front page headlines. There were any number of exposes showing how organized crime was muscling into honest unions. The Taft-Hartley law was a perennial issue back then with Democrats wanting to repeal it and Republicans staunchly in favor.

    The songs by Allie Wrubel and Maxwell Anderson were singularly unmemorable and the comedy in Never Steal Anything Small is forced. However James Cagney is such a dynamic performer that he's put over far worse.

    Roger Smith who played a straight arrow lawyer was a protégé of Cagney's back then. He played Cagney's son in Man of a Thousand Faces and after this film with a plug from Cagney to his old boss Jack Warner got cast in the television series 77 Sunset Strip.

    My favorite in the film is Cara Williams. She's got the part that Joan Blondell or Gladys George would have played opposite Cagney back in the day. Williams is a worthy successor to both those women.

    There is one true incident in Never Steal Anything Small. At one point Cagney nearly gets acid thrown in his face. There was just such an incident involving columnist Victor Riesel which was more successful and left him blind. But Riesel was a far more noble character than the one Cagney plays here.

    Though in the end Cagney does show he has some scruples where women are concerned.
    8jjnxn-1

    A jaunty time with Jimmy

    Charming Damon Runyon flavored semi-musical crime comedy driven by Cagney's magnetism.

    Only Jimmy could make the strong arm racketeer he's playing so appealing and he sails through this minor film with the assurance of the star he was. Shirley Jones is lovely and sings beautifully but it's the brassy Cara Williams who really stands out.

    The songs may not be too memorable but they fit the spirit of the story well and the zippy "I Want a Ferrari" duet between Cagney and Cara Williams is a classic car lover's dream.

    Special mention should also go to the production designer who uses an almost exclusively muted palate of colors to create a rich harmonious look that gives the film a very stylish appearance without ever drawing the audience's eye away from the action.

    Full of wonderful character actors and a jaunty attitude this is an under-known gem from the latter part of Cagney's career and he owns the film.
    4planktonrules

    A dumb concept--one of Cagney's few misfires

    Well, I gotta say one thing about this film--the concept certainly is unusual. The film is a comedic musical all about gangsters! But, unfortunately it isn't very funny and the songs aren't very good. If you were expecting GUYS AND DOLLS, you are in for a big disappointment. Instead, the movie looks and feels pretty dull and uninvolving. In a way, I would love to have seen the Jimmy Cagney from WHITE HEAT or THE PUBLIC ENEMY enter the film and beat the ever-living snot out of the wussy and "cute" gangster Cagney plays in this film.

    The bottom line is that the film just isn't entertaining or interesting. There are so many better Cagney films out there--pick one of them instead.
    8zabalmsm

    A Hilarious Romp with a Resilient James Cagney

    "Never Steal Anything Small" showcases the enduring charm and comedic talent of James Cagney, even as he adopts a slightly more tempered approach in comparison to his earlier, more energetic roles. The film proves that, despite a diluted version of Cagney's trademark cockiness and pugnaciousness, the actor still possesses an undeniable charisma that adds zest to this hilarious cinematic offering.

    The script of "Never Steal Anything Small" complements Cagney's performance, providing a solid foundation for the comedic elements to flourish. While perhaps not reaching the heights of some of Cagney's earlier works, the narrative holds its own, offering a blend of humor and entertainment that keeps the audience engaged from start to finish.

    Cagney, though exhibiting a milder version of his former self, demonstrates that he hasn't lost his touch. The actor's ability to infuse the character with charm and wit ensures that the film retains a sense of dynamism. His on-screen presence, even in a less energetic state, remains a driving force behind the film's success.

    The film's humor is undoubtedly a highlight, and Cagney's knack for delivering comedic lines with impeccable timing contributes significantly to its success. While the cockiness may have mellowed with time, the film is a testament to Cagney's enduring comedic prowess and adaptability.

    In conclusion, "Never Steal Anything Small" may showcase a slightly tempered James Cagney, but the film is a delightful and hilarious romp that underscores the actor's enduring talent. The script, while not groundbreaking, serves as a solid platform for Cagney's comedic performance. With a well-deserved 8/10 rating, the film is a testament to the enduring appeal of both Cagney and the timeless charm of classic comedies.
    Sdrawde

    An antidote to the super-serious On The Waterfront

    One of Cagney's last pictures before his extended retirement (he returned in Ragtime). Like On The Waterfront, Never Steel Anything Small deals with a corrupt longshoreman's union on the U.S. east coast. That's where the similarity ends, as one is a straight drama and the other a musical comedy. Cagney, with his roots as a vaudeville hoofer, dances and sings in some neat production numbers choreographed by Hermes Pan, Fred Astaire's (mostly) off-screen collaborator. The movie also sends up television commercials; an unusual thing in the 1950s when Hollywood was loathe to acknowledge the upstart TV medium. Shirley Jones does a nice job as the good wife who inadvertently tempts the wiley union boss/climber-with-a-heart-of-gold Cagney.

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    Storyline

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    Did you know

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    • Trivia
      The final musical film of James Cagney's filmography.
    • Quotes

      [at a police station, Jack MacIllaney and Dan Cabot can be seen walking. MacIllaney looks upbeat]

      Jake MacIllaney: Don't worry, Mr. Cabot. We'll beat this rap like we beat a carpet.

      Dan Cabot: Look, just a moment. I haven't decided whether I'm gonna take...

      Jake MacIllaney: Oh, sure you have. Look, you wanna be a successful lawyer, you can't start quittin' cases every time a client burns ya.

      [Jake pats Cabot's arm]

      Jake MacIllaney: Come on, how 'bout it?

      Dan Cabot: Well, all right.

      Jake MacIllaney: Ah, good, good.

    • Connections
      References L'ennemi public (1931)
    • Soundtracks
      Never Steal Anything Small
      Music by Allie Wrubel

      Lyrics by Maxwell Anderson

      Performed by James Cagney

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    FAQ

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    Details

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    • Release date
      • April 12, 1959 (United Kingdom)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • Nunca robes cosas pequeñas
    • Filming locations
      • Universal Studios - 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, California, USA(Studio)
    • Production company
      • Universal International Pictures (UI)
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      1 hour 34 minutes
    • Aspect ratio
      • 2.35 : 1

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