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Scarface (1932)
Rate:
9
Viewed:
11/15
11/15:
Well, this is the granddaddy of all gangster pictures: the 1932 version of Scarface
This one lives up to the reputation for being the most influential of the genre. Prior to seeing it, I had my reservations
when I was told the 1983 version was a remake. Afterwards, I had to say, "Yep, it definitely is."
Paul Muni is the show, and everybody else plays second fiddle to him. Even the poor George Raft, in his first movie role
despite his extensive mob ties, is barely noticeable in the background. In fact, it's what hurt the film: not enough
character development. Eventually, George Raft's career took off.
The story is quite good, and Oliver Stone didn't change much of the structure; he only added the visceral gory and blood
to his version which fits Miami's culture of the drug-fueled violence. If there are films that escaped the swath of the Hays
Code, Scarface is one of them, thanks to Howard Hawks' defiance to censorship, a rarity with violence that's never seen
before in a 30's picture. Hence, it still stands the test of time.
All in all, the 1932 version of Scarface is among a handful of outstanding gangster flicks.