A charismatic James Cagney is this film's strongest point. He plays Bert, a clever, scheming character who is able to sweet-talk the old linen lady at the hotel where works, and he is able to manipulate the truth and the way others react to it. He is also able to get just about any woman do just about anything for him. The one woman that Bert cannot sweet-talk though is Anne, played by Joan Blondell, and he decides instead to go into partnership with her as confidence tricksters. These two characters, the way they interact and the way they talk (Hooooneeey!) is what makes the film so entertaining and interesting. Their first prank is clever and somewhat fascinating, but too slowly paced to be amusing; yet Cagney and Blondell keep the show moving along.
Other than the slow pacing, the film is weighed down by the violence thrown in. The slapping and punching is done in a cartoon-like style, detracting from the film's realism. The plot also takes a perhaps ill-conceived turn towards melodrama near the end with Ray Milland's character added in. Milland's motivations are left hanging, and the whole style of this section of the film is out of sync with the light comedy style of the initial drama. Still, it is pretty engaging viewing throughout, thanks to two well cast leads working well with great characters - Blondell and Cagney even give themselves appearances that suit their characters: Blondell looks like a fluffy rabbit at times, and Cagney often looks like a snake - he has a very reptilian appearance with his dark hair and cold eyes!
Other than the slow pacing, the film is weighed down by the violence thrown in. The slapping and punching is done in a cartoon-like style, detracting from the film's realism. The plot also takes a perhaps ill-conceived turn towards melodrama near the end with Ray Milland's character added in. Milland's motivations are left hanging, and the whole style of this section of the film is out of sync with the light comedy style of the initial drama. Still, it is pretty engaging viewing throughout, thanks to two well cast leads working well with great characters - Blondell and Cagney even give themselves appearances that suit their characters: Blondell looks like a fluffy rabbit at times, and Cagney often looks like a snake - he has a very reptilian appearance with his dark hair and cold eyes!