Now all of the great films Cagney made in his career the one film that would not be on anyone's list would probably be 1953's A Lion is in the Streets, a political drama. But it is nice to see this film get a Blu-ray release thanks to the good folks at Warner Archive Collection.
In a rural Southern community Hank Martin (James Cagney) backs a group of sharecroppers against their corrupt boss, Robert Castleberry (Larry Keating), who has been taking advantage of them. The two sides come to blows, and one of Martin's friends, Jeb (John McIntire), is arrested for murder and must stand trial. Meanwhile, a gangster, Guy Polli (Onslow Stevens), sees the hunger in Martin and makes it possible for him to rise in politics.
Raoul Walsh directed James Cagney in this film, but this was not the only time, they also collaborated on 1941's The Strawberry Blonde which also recently received a Blu-ray release from Warner Archive.
Luther Davis adapted the film's screenplay from the novel of the same name written by Adrian Locke Langley. But the film's pacing to me seems off! And when watching the film you just from scene to scene with little chance for real character development.
In addition it is a bit strange to hear James Cagney doing a southern accent. I'm so used to his gangster films. Not that he is bad, it's just strange. Now these are just points I wanted to make. I think the film is a enjoyable one, it's just it may have been a bit better.
Warner Archive has transferred this film to Blu-ray from a new 4K scan of its separate Technicolor negatives. The film is presented in 1080p in full screen format 1.37:1 aspect ratio. The soundtrack is a DTS-HD 2.0 Master Audio. Finally there is an option for English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing.
This new 4K scan looks and sound stunning! The colors are vibrant and the audio is clear as a bell! But that is not all that is included on this Blu-ray. Warner Archive included the Theatrical Trailer and the classic Warner Bros Cartoon Duck! Rabbit, Duck!
I have said this before, but I really enjoy the addition of classic cartoons to these Warner Archive Blu-rays. Just a simple little additional material can take a nice release to a whole other level.
So if you are a fan of James Cagney and would like to see him in a role that is different from anything you are used to check out this Blu-ray of A Loin is in the Streets. It would make a nice addition to your Cagney collection. Head over to Amazon or MovieZyng and order your copy today.
Out of 4 Film Reels (4 being the best) Warner Archive's Blu-ray of A Lion in the Streets receives.....
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