IMDb >
Little Caesar (1931)
Watch It
Buy it at Amazon
Rent it at blockbuster.com
Discuss in Boards More at IMDb Pro Add to My Movies Update Data
BETA
Discuss in Boards More at IMDb Pro Add to My Movies Update Data
Quicklinks
Top Links
trailers and videosfull cast and crewtriviaofficial sitesmemorable quotesOverview
main detailscombined detailsfull cast and crewcompany creditstv scheduleAwards & Reviews
user commentsexternal reviewsnewsgroup reviewsawardsuser ratingsparents guiderecommendationsmessage boardPlot & Quotes
plot summaryplot synopsisplot keywordsAmazon.com summarymemorable quotesFun Stuff
triviagoofssoundtrack listingcrazy creditsalternate versionsmovie connectionsFAQOther Info
merchandising linksbox office/businessrelease datesfilming locationstechnical specslaserdisc detailsDVD detailsliterature listingsNewsDeskPromotional
taglines trailers and videos posters photo galleryExternal Links
showtimesofficial sitesmiscellaneousphotographssound clipsvideo clipsLittle Caesar (1931) More at IMDbPro »
| Photos (see all 13 | slideshow) |
Overview
User Rating:
Release Date:
28 August 1931 (France) morePlot:
The ambitious criminal Rico (Edward G. Robinson) moves from the country to the big city in the east... more | add synopsisAwards:
Nominated for Oscar. Another 1 win moreNewsDesk:
(3 articles)
A Gangster's Demise: Jarrett vs. Rico vs. Dillinger (From Rope Of Silicon. 3 July 2009, 4:53 PM, PDT)
Spring Preview: A Repertory Calendar for the Coasts
(From IFC. 18 February 2009, 2:17 PM, PST)
User Comments:
Hades' Hoodlum moreCast
(Complete credited cast)| Edward G. Robinson | ... | Little Caesar / 'Rico' | |
| Douglas Fairbanks Jr. | ... | Joe Massara | |
| Glenda Farrell | ... | Olga Stassoff | |
| William Collier Jr. | ... | Tony Passa | |
| Sidney Blackmer | ... | Big Boy | |
| Ralph Ince | ... | Pete Montana | |
| Thomas E. Jackson | ... | Sergeant Flaherty (as Thomas Jackson) | |
| Stanley Fields | ... | Sam Vettori | |
| Maurice Black | ... | Little Arnie Lorch | |
| George E. Stone | ... | Otero | |
| Armand Kaliz | ... | De Voss | |
| Nicholas Bela | ... | Ritz Colonna (as Nick Bela) |
Additional Details
Parents Guide:
Add content advisory for parentsRuntime:
79 minCountry:
USALanguage:
EnglishColor:
Black and WhiteAspect Ratio:
1.37 : 1 moreSound Mix:
Vitaphone (Western Electric Sound System)Certification:
Canada:PG (video rating) | Sweden:15 (cut) (1976) | Australia:PG | Sweden:(Banned) | Germany:12Fun Stuff
Trivia:
The opening weekend of this film's release broke the all-time attendance record for Warner Bros.' Strand Theatre in New York, grossing $50,000 in eleven performances. Both Edward G. Robinson and Douglas Fairbanks Jr. made personal appearances at the New York premiere, for which the top ticket prices were two dollars. moreGoofs:
Continuity: In the diner scene, Rico jumps from reading the newspaper to eating his spaghetti between shots. moreMovie Connections:
Referenced in Becoming Attractions: The Trailers of Humphrey Bogart (1997) (TV) moreFAQ
This FAQ is empty. Add the first question.more
Message Boards
Discuss this movie with other users on IMDb message board for Little Caesar (1931) moreRecommendations
If you enjoyed this title, our database also recommends:
Show more recommendations
|
|
|
|
|
| Miller's Crossing | The Godfather | Scarface | Scarface | The Public Enemy |
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
Related Links
| Full cast and crew | Company credits | External reviews |
| News articles | IMDb Crime section | IMDb USA section |
| Add this title to MyMovies |












Rico Bandello, a petty crook nicknamed LITTLE CAESAR, plots his rise to become crime boss of the Big City.
Edward G. Robinson made a tremendous impact in this star-making saga of a thoroughly detestable little man who bandies his way through society's underbelly for a short time until fate brings him his just reward. The evil spawn of a deplorable age, Rico cares for neither booze nor dames, only pure raw power. Even loyalty & friendship are weaknesses to be deplored since no one can be ultimately trusted. Robinson, with his frightening eyes and large ugly mouth, makes this human scum fascinating to watch - a cheap little monster in expensive suits, a moral nonentity with a big gun.
Douglas Fairbanks Jr does a fine job with what little the script gives him as Rico's longtime buddy; the bland nature of his performance contrasts nicely to Robinson's florid acting style. Even more compelling is Glenda Farrell in an important early role as Fairbanks' girlfriend - this talented actress would soon become one of Hollywood's premiere tough talking brassy blondes.
Stanley Fields, Sidney Blackmer & George E. Stone all deliver vivid portraits of crooks & criminals that Rico must intimidate or use. Special mention should be made of William Collier Jr who gives a touching portrayal as the mob's getaway driver who loses his nerve and attempts to go straight.
Movie mavens will recognize an unbilled Lucille La Verne as the old crone who intimidates Rico near the end of the picture.
With LITTLE CAESAR and PUBLIC ENEMY (1931) Warner Brothers established themselves as the Studio that could produce topnotch, gritty crime dramas. The reputation was well deserved and the films were appreciated by movie viewers already enthralled by the headline exploits of real life Depression desperadoes.