I’m a big fan of James Cagney—he’s my top pick among actors (we share some Irish heritage, and he demonstrates greater range than Orson Welles), so I might be inclined to give his movies the benefit of the doubt. Nevertheless, I found this film combining gangster elements with boxing from the early 1940s to be quite good, featuring not only Cagney’s strong performance but also excellent work by Ann Sheridan (I'm drawn to redheads), Anthony Quinn, and even a relatively uncommon acting appearance for director Elia Kazan. It is true that it leaned into melodrama, pulled at the heartstrings, and followed a familiar plot—and some people see those aspects as flaws. As someone who appreciates many kinds of music, especially jazz and classical, I was struck by how the filmmakers used music to convey feelings and experiences that are difficult to put into words. It’s easy to suggest this movie to anyone looking for films where creators attempt something fresh and inventive, particularly if you're a fan of Cagney or classic movies like myself; it’s unlikely you will regret watching it.

Source on TMDB