Edward G. Robinson is regretably nearly forgotten today. Younger viewers only connect him as the voice of Chief Wiggim on "The Simpsons." Cinephiles, of course, know him as "Little Caesar"
and other tough guys of the early sound era. He was a brilliant and under-rated actor, which he showed in later years of his life. This film came at a time when he couldn't have been hotter.
Of and on he was playing against the type he had become famous for portraying. In this film he did a bit of both sides of that coin. Playing Gangster Johhny Sarto he is ambushed by upcoming mobster John Buck (Humphrey Bogart), who has used his love (Ann Southern) to draw him out in the open.
The determinded little guy just barely survives the assassination attempt and stumbles into the hands of the "Little Brothers of the Flowers" monastary. After being nursed back to health by the selfless monks Sarto joins the order ("A perfect hide out") and uses his crooked mindset to bilk the trusting brothers into seeing him as an outstanding addition. But their humble ways and honesty start to change the little mobster. Even when he jumps ship to "settle some scores" he cannot forget the humanity the men have brought out in him.
Here is the cast:
Edward G. Robinson . . . Little John T. 'Johnny' Sarto
Ann Sothern . . . Florence 'Flo' Addams
Humphrey Bogart . . . Jack Buck
Donald Crisp . . . Brother Superior
Ralph Bellamy . . . Clarence P. Fletcher
Allen Jenkins . . . Willie 'The Knife' Corson
Charles D. Brown . . . Brother Wren
Cecil Kellaway . . . Brother Goodwin
Morgan Conway . . . Philadelphia Powell
Richard Lane . . . Mugsy O'Day
Paul Guilfoyle . . . Red Martin
John Ridgely . . . Texas Pearson
Joseph Crehan . . . Brother MacEwen
Wilfred Lucas . . . Brother MacDonald
Tom Tyler . . . Curley Matthews
It is a charming and delightful turn on the Warner's Gangster film.
It is a wonderful way to spend 90 minutes.
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