Each Dawn I Die

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Each Dawn I Die ★★½ 1939

Cagney stars as a reporter who is a fervent critic of the political system. Framed for murder and imprisoned, he is subsequently befriended by fellow inmate Raft, a gangster. Once hardened by prison life, Cagney shuns his friend and becomes wary of the system. Despite its farfetched second half and mediocre script, the film makes interesting viewing thanks to a stellar performance from Cagney. 92m/B VHS, DVD . James Cagney, George Raft, George Ban-croft, Jane Bryan, Maxie “Slapsie” Rosenbloom, Alan Baxter, Thurston Hall, Stanley Ridges, Victor Jory; D: William Keighley; W: Norman Reilly Raine; C: Arthur Edeson; M: Max Steiner.