Jimmy the Gent

A brisk screwball comedy with a smart little story and a few laughs, Jimmy the Gent features a fast-talking Jimmy Cagney as a crooked heir hunter trying to win Bette Davis back from a rival. It's only a minor Curtiz effort but it's plenty of fun, and Cagney's clearly having a great time.

You can call it Cagneblanca. HAPPY BIRTHDAY JIMMY!!!

Agreeable enough little comedy with Jimmy Cagney--who's rather fun to watch--and Bette Davis, a high-minded, principled secretary, so yes--she's essentially wasted here yet again. She sports false eyelashes in this one, too...maybe they were left over from Fashions of 1934.

Cagney seems to be stuck on fast forward in this film.

This is an amiable little comedy that coasts along on Cagney and Davis' star power, and frankly not a lot more than that. It's mildly amusing, especially Cagney's extremely boisterous performance, but it's no secret gem. Since Cagney and Davis made only one other film together ("The Bride Came C.O.D." in 1941), it's worth a look for their pretty compelling chemistry.

Is it really possible to do that much talkin' in 67 minutes?! James Cagney sure knows how to work that mouth of his. So simple, so snappy, so much fun. Cagney sure knows how to make a movie lively slapping his friends around and just having a blast doing things his way! This was never meant to be a major piece, but Cagney & director Michael Curtiz sure got a lot out of a stupid idea. Didn't hurt to have Bette Davis as the girl, a actress who's also known for doing things her way. Pure joy!