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!
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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.
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.
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.
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.
Did you know
- TriviaThe 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.
- ConnectionsReferences L'ennemi public (1931)
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- Nunca robes cosas pequeñas
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- Runtime1 hour 34 minutes
- Aspect ratio
- 2.35 : 1