Blonde Crazy (1931)

A small time grifter (James Cagney) works as a bellhop in a midwestern hotel. He takes a fancy to the new chambermaid (Joan Blondell) and lures her into partnering with him into scamming rich men. But being arrogant and confident, he doesn't realize he's not ready for the big time ..... yet. Directed by Roy Del Ruth (EMPLOYEES ENTRANCE). This scrappy pre code dramedy is very entertaining. Cagney's larcenous punk is just ripe to get taken down and I got a bit of pleasure seeing him fall. It's actually Blondell who is the smart one while there's something of the spoiled child in Cagney's character. The movie's ending is unsatisfactory as one despicable character doesn't get his comeuppance and Cagney gets the blame. It's fast moving, there's snappy dialog and Cagney and Blondell make for a great team and they're supported by an ace cast of supporting players. Among them Ray Milland, Louis Calhern, Nat Pendleton, Guy Kibbee and Noel Francis.