Amidst a backdrop of growing violence and intimidation, independent cab drivers struggling against a consolidated juggernaut rally around hot-tempered Matt Nolan. Nolan is determined to keep competition alive on the streets, even if it means losing the woman he loves.
Acting
Cagney's volcanic charisma—he practically vibrates off the screen.
Direction
Del Ruth keeps it lean, mean, and pre-code scandalous.
Costume
Loretta Young's wardrobe is Depression-era glam perfection.
Director
Roy Del Ruth
James Cagney
Matt Nolan
Loretta Young
Sue Riley Nolan
George E. Stone
Skeets
Guy Kibbee
Mack 'Pop' Riley
Leila Bennett
Ruby
Dorothy Burgess
Marie Costa
David Landau
Buck Gerard
Nat Pendleton
Bull Martin (uncredited)
Robert Emmett O'Connor
Cop with Jewish Man (uncredited)
George Raft
William Kenny (uncredited)
Polly Walters
Danny's Date Polly (uncredited)
Evalyn Knapp
Actress in Movie Clip (uncredited)
Donald Cook
Actor in Movie Clip (uncredited)
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
The famous 'You dirty rat!' line everyone attributes to Cagney? Not in this film, despite the myth. He never actually said it on screen.
Made during the Taxi War of 1931-32, when real NYC cabbies fought Consolidated Edison's attempt to control the industry. Art imitated life at breakneck speed.
US
