Jimmy the Gent (1934)

Welcome back for another installment of Review Stew! This week we take a look at some quick moving and fast talking men who will do anything to make a quick buck with…Jimmy the Gent (1934).

Title: Jimmy the Gent

Director: Michael Curtiz

Released: March 9, 1934 (United Kingdom)

Runtime: 1 hour 7 minutes

Available to stream on: MAX

A shady Genealogist by the name of Jimmy Corrigan (James Cagney) has figured out quite the hustle. He figured out how to track down heirs of people who died without a will. To collect his fee, he goes so far as to provide fake claimants to get the job done.

However, his former girlfriend and employee, Joan Martin (Bette Davis), wasn’t so fond of his tactics. She leaves him because she says he lacks ethics. Joan winds up getting a job working for Charles Wallingham (Alan Dinehart) because she is led to believe that he is an honest man who runs a legitimate firm.

Jimmy is now determined to investigate Wallingham, prove that he isn’t so squeaky clean, and win Joan back. But what if there isn’t any dirt on Wallingham? What if he truly is on the straight and narrow?

With a runtime of only an hour and seven minutes, Jimmy the Gent (1934) definitely gets in and gets out without wasting too much time.

I haven’t seen many of James Cagney’s films, but after watching this I can understand why he was a star. He can expertly play the smarmy sleaze bag but can also flip a switch and become a lovable loser with a heart of gold.

Meanwhile, I felt as though Bette Davis was sort of underutilized here. Despite being the leading lady, they give her little to do. I don’t know, just seems like a waste when you had someone of her talent at your disposal.

Overall, there is enough comedy to keep things light and enough drama to keep you engaged throughout the rather brisk runtime.

If you have yet to see Jimmy the Gent (1934), I’d say it’s definitely worthy of at least one viewing.

Well, how about you? Have you seen Jimmy the Gent (1934)?

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