This is a pretty good film from Warners about three people all trying to pull themselves out of the crowd in the big city. Ann Sheridan has dreams of dancing on Broadway with her slimy dance partner, Anthony Quinn. Jimmy Cagney initially just wants to be a working stiff, but later decides to take up boxing and has a chance for the title. And, finally, Arthur Kennedy wants to play his compositions in the fanciest of concert halls. How much they are willing to work and compromise themselves is the heart of the film.
Sheridan, at first a decent and simple lady, becomes a skanky woman willing to put up with ANYTHING from Quinn to make it to the top--including disappointing and lying to her boyfriend, Cagney. Cagney, at first not interested in boxing, ultimately is blinded in the ring. Only Kennedy achieves his goal while maintaining his dignity and eyesight! In the end, everything is wrapped up pretty predictably--perhaps TOO predictably. A decent film with some excellent performances but perhaps a few too many clichés to make it an exceptional film.
Sheridan, at first a decent and simple lady, becomes a skanky woman willing to put up with ANYTHING from Quinn to make it to the top--including disappointing and lying to her boyfriend, Cagney. Cagney, at first not interested in boxing, ultimately is blinded in the ring. Only Kennedy achieves his goal while maintaining his dignity and eyesight! In the end, everything is wrapped up pretty predictably--perhaps TOO predictably. A decent film with some excellent performances but perhaps a few too many clichés to make it an exceptional film.