I should have warned you about that radio. If it fails, others will follow. White Heat was directed by Raoul Walsh and adapted by Ivan Goff & Ben Roberts from a story suggested by Virginia Kellogg. The film stars James Cagney, Virginia Mayo, Edmond O'Brien, Steve Cochran & Margaret Wycherly. Max Steiner composed the music, and Sidney Hickox handled the photography. Cody Jarrett (Cagney) leads a violent gang of thieves, displaying cruelty and brutality. He’s intensely devoted to his mother (Wycherly) and has suffered from debilitating headaches since childhood; he seems perpetually close to a complete psychological breakdown. That tipping point is imminent, and anyone standing in his way will suffer the consequences. Around the time White Heat was released, it became clear that audiences hadn't seen a gangster—a truly dangerous one—in quite some time. The Production Code and shifting emotional values following World War II had largely pushed this type of character out of movies. Cagney also experienced disappointment with his own production company. After leaving Warner Brothers in 1942, he re-signed with the studio and returned to the genre that had defined much of his career during the 1930s. He did have some creative control over the film, including insisting on a “crime doesn’t pay” theme; ultimately, he needed a success, and working with Raoul Walsh and the character of Jarrett was ideal. It might not be his finest performance, but it's certainly his most impactful, and arguably represents the pinnacle of gangster films. The movie draws its inspiration from real-life criminals Ma Barker, Arthur "Doc" Barker and Francis Crowley. A notable aspect is that these were 1930s criminals, which helps explain why White Heat feels like a film from that era. Cagney was older (50 at the time) and heavier than audiences might remember, but he and the production managed to maintain the appropriate period style, marking it as the last of its kind. White Heat is an unusual example of a classic action story combined with unique structure and a portrayal of a central character that’s unlike anything else. Walsh structured the film around four key "moments" for Cody Jarrett, highlighting the complex relationship between Cody and his mother, which creates a disturbing atmosphere. Even so, Walsh and the team managed to elicit some sympathy for the unstable protagonist. It sounds strange, but this is one of the main reasons why White Heat is such an important film. Another reason is "those" iconic scenes—two of which have become legendary in cinema. One example is Cody’s reaction while incarcerated when he receives bad news; it's both terrifying and pitiful (and notable for the extras' genuine surprise). The other is “that” ending, a memorable conclusion that remains hard to top. While Cagney delivers an exceptional performance, the film isn't solely reliant on him. Walsh’s direction is superb, maintaining a pace and rhythm that reflects Cody Jarrett’s mental state. Steiner’s score uses unsettling musical cues, while Hickox adds noir touches to create realism and atmosphere; technically, it's a very well-made picture. The supporting cast provides strong performances against Cagney’s powerful presence. Wycherly is excellent as the tough and irritable Ma Jarrett, and O'Brien is essential in the film's second most important role—a part that requires him to be Cody’s first confidant and a kind of surrogate mother. Mayo doesn't have much to do but she is beautiful, alluring, and carries an air of fatalism. Cochran also does well as the right-hand man who overestimates his own importance. White Heat is tough, a gritty and intense psychological drama with visually striking moments that remain powerful and shocking even decades after its release. It's often overlooked that it’s also a strange and darkly humorous film. Overall, White Heat is outstanding; it earns a 10/10 rating.

Source on TMDB