Product Details

• Actors: James Cagney, Joan Blondell, Louis Calhern, Noel Francis, Ray Milland
• Format: Black & White, HiFi Sound, NTSC
• Rated: Unrated
• Studio: MGM (Video & DVD)
• VHS Release Date: September 1, 1998
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 6302208882
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #251,366 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars So it's "dated". So what?, April 25, 2000

By 

A "geriatric" Durannie (Texas) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Blonde Crazy [VHS] (VHS Tape)

Mr. Maltin et al say this movie is dated, but that's a large part of the appeal of this movie. James Cagney is at his wisecracking best as Bert, a bellhop who aspires to be the ultimate con man, with his scrapbook of newspaper clippings of cons that "got pinched" in tow. Joan Blondell is cute as a button as sassy Ann, his partner in crime. These two together are dynamite onscreen. A must see for anyone who loves comedies from the 1930s. It's great to see all the period clothes and cars, and it's interesting to note the bathtub scene - obviously pre-code stuff. This movie is not meant to be taken seriously, just great fun. The fact that it IS dated is what makes it so watchable. What movies from the "golden age of Hollywood" AREN'T dated? It was indicative of the times. This movie is a classic, pure enjoyment. A must-see.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Cagney's charisma, July 25, 2003

By 

Candace Scott (Lake Arrowhead, CA, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Blonde Crazy [VHS] (VHS Tape)

This movie has it all: charm, wit, a clever plot, Joan Blondell in one of her best roles and the magnificent Jimmy Cagney who displays the full array of his talents. In 1931, Cagney was just beginning his rise as Warner's great gangster hero of the 30's, and his screen image hadn't quite yet been perfected. He's more funny here than he was later on, and the characteristic swagger and facial expressions aren't as much in evidence. You can see Jimmy working on his persona and it's pure pleasure to watch it in this film.

Cagney and Blondell play a couple of swindelers who scam anyone and everyone who comes down the pike. Though they are dual rip-off artists, you gotta love 'em, especially the wisecracking Cagney, who throws in one-liners which will convulse you. There's a lot of unintentional comedy which demonstrates that he and Joan possessed inherent comedic timing. Watch for the young Ray Milland, in one of his first screen roles of any note. He's as handsome as ever, but his acting ability certainly improved later on.

If you're new to Jimmy Cagney, this would be a fine first film to view, along with Pubic Enemy and The Roaring Twenties. His unique gifts as actor, dancer and public treasure are shown to their best advantage here. This is a fine early film with a wonderful performance by James Cagney.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The Age of Chiselry, March 11, 2002

By 

James L. - See all my reviews

This review is from: Blonde Crazy [VHS] (VHS Tape)

James Cagney and Joan Blondell star as a couple of scam artists who work out detailed schemes to get money out of innocent (and not-so-innocent) people. It's Cagney's idea (of course) to get into this, and Blondell goes along because she falls in love with him. Before long, they're swindling swindlers and getting mixed up with people even shadier than them. A lot of the film is lighthearted and played for laughs, although it does have its dramatic moments. The con games they are involved in are a lot of fun to watch unfold, and as a pre-Code film, there are some interesting scenes, dialogue, and innuendo. Cagney and Blondell are a great team together. His talents are, of course, legendary, but Blondell is not as well known to audiences today. She's terrific in the film, leveling wisecracks with the best of them, yet quietly effective in the more serious scenes. The movie moves along quickly with lots of snappy dialogue (it is a Warner Brothers film afterall), and the two stars make it memorable. Oh, and for the record - I don't think I've ever seen another film where so many people get slapped in the face!!