The Roaring Twenties is a 1939 film directed by Raoul Walsh. The film's plot is a drama set in the 1920s that follows the lives of three friends as they face the challenges of post-war America, Prohibition, and the world of organized crime. 

Plot

The story follows three World War I veteran friends: Eddie Bartlett (played by James Cagney), George Hally (played by Humphrey Bogart), and Lloyd Hart (played by Jeffrey Lynn). After returning from the war, they find themselves grappling with post-war difficulties and a lack of job opportunities.

Eddie, in particular, becomes involved in bootlegging during the Prohibition era and starts building a criminal empire. George becomes a gangster, and Lloyd pursues a legal career as a lawyer. Their lives become intertwined in a world of gangsterism, corruption, and organized crime during the 1920s.

As Eddie becomes increasingly powerful in the bootlegging world, his fate becomes entangled with that of a young cabaret singer, Jean Sherman (played by Priscilla Lane). Meanwhile, the rivalry between Eddie and George intensifies.

The film explores themes of ambition, betrayed friendship, and the consequences of crime in 1920s America. It is known for the performances of Cagney and Bogart and its authentic representation of the era.

Director: Raoul Walsh

Writers: Jerry Wald, Richard Macaulay, Robert Rossen

Producers: Samuel Bischoff, Hal B. Wallis

Music: Heinz Roemheld

Main Cast:

• James Cagney as Eddie Bartlett
• Priscilla Lane as Jean Sherman
• Humphrey Bogart as George Hally
• Gladys George as Panama Smith
• Jeffrey Lynn as Lloyd Hart
• Frank McHugh as Danny Green

Major Awards:

The film received positive reviews from critics but did not win major Oscars or Golden Globe awards.

Box Office Gross: The film was successful at the box office.

Critical Reception: The Roaring Twenties was appreciated by critics for its portrayal of the Roaring Twenties era and the performances of the lead actors, particularly James Cagney and Humphrey Bogart. The film follows the life of Eddie Bartlett, played by Cagney, during the Prohibition era and his involvement in the illegal liquor trade. The Roaring Twenties was considered a classic gangster film and contributed to solidifying James Cagney's reputation as one of the genre's leading actors. While it did not win major awards, the film is still appreciated today for its portrayal of the era.