Little Caesar

Definition

Little Caesar is a 1931 American pre-Code gangster film directed by Mervyn LeRoy, based on the 1929 novel of the same name by William R. Burnett. The film is considered one of the first major gangster films in Hollywood history and played a pivotal role in shaping the genre during the early years of sound cinema, especially in relation to the enforcement of moral standards by the Hays Code.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Little Caesar starred Edward G. Robinson as the ambitious gangster Caesar Enrico Bandello, who rises to power but ultimately meets a tragic end, highlighting the consequences of crime.
2. The film was notable for its realistic portrayal of gangsters and urban life during the Prohibition era, resonating with audiences who were fascinated by crime and corruption.
3. Little Caesar's success helped to establish Edward G. Robinson as a leading actor in gangster roles and contributed to the popularity of gangster films in the early 1930s.
4. The film's gritty narrative and morally ambiguous characters paved the way for future gangster movies, influencing filmmakers and audiences alike.
5. Little Caesar was released just before the Hays Code was strictly enforced, allowing it to include themes and scenes that would later be censored or altered under the code.

Review Questions

• How did Little Caesar influence the portrayal of gangsters in subsequent films?
  • Little Caesar set a precedent for how gangsters were portrayed on screen, depicting them as complex characters driven by ambition and desire for power. This portrayal influenced future films in the genre, which often explored similar themes of crime and morality. The film's emphasis on realism also encouraged filmmakers to adopt more gritty narratives, contributing to a lasting impact on how gangster stories were told in Hollywood.
• Discuss how Little Caesar reflects the cultural attitudes of its time regarding crime and morality before the Hays Code was strictly enforced.
  • Little Caesar captures the fascination with crime during the Prohibition era, reflecting societal attitudes that both glamorized and critiqued gangster culture. The film illustrates the allure of power and wealth associated with organized crime while simultaneously warning viewers about its inevitable consequences. This duality was possible due to its release during the Pre-Code era when filmmakers had more freedom to explore complex moral issues without strict censorship.
• Evaluate the significance of Little Caesar within the context of the Hays Code's implementation and its impact on future filmmaking in Hollywood.
  • Little Caesar holds significant importance as it arrived just before the Hays Code was rigorously enforced, allowing it to showcase themes of violence and moral ambiguity that would later be restricted. The film's bold narrative challenged filmmakers to navigate censorship while still addressing relevant social issues. As future filmmakers sought ways to convey similar messages within the confines of the Hays Code, Little Caesar's legacy shaped storytelling techniques and genre conventions in Hollywood, marking a transitional moment in American cinema.

Related terms

Gangster Film: A genre of film that focuses on organized crime and the lives of gangsters, often highlighting themes of ambition, power, and violence.

Hays Code:

A set of moral guidelines that governed the production of films in Hollywood from 1930 to 1968, aimed at ensuring that films adhered to certain ethical standards.

Pre-Code Era: The period in Hollywood cinema before the strict enforcement of the Hays Code, characterized by more liberal content including violence, sexuality, and crime.