The Roaring Twenties (1939) Watch Online Free

After World War I, Armistice Lloyd Hart goes back to practice law, former saloon keeper George Hally turns to bootlegging, and out-of-work Eddie Bartlett becomes a cab driver. Eddie builds a fleet of cabs through delivery of bootleg liquor and hires Lloyd as his lawyer. George becomes Eddie’s partner and the rackets flourish until love and rivalry interfere.

“The Roaring Twenties” is a 1939 American gangster film that encapsulates the essence of the post-World War I era in the United States. Directed by Raoul Walsh and starring James Cagney, Priscilla Lane, Humphrey Bogart, and Gladys George, the film spans from 1919 to 1933, focusing on the turbulent lives of three men navigating through major historical events like Prohibition, the rise of organized crime, and the devastating stock market crash of 1929.

The plot revolves around Eddie Bartlett (James Cagney), a former soldier returning to a civilian life that feels void of purpose. He quickly becomes entangled with a bootlegging operation, rising to the top of the criminal underworld during the Prohibition era. Alongside him is George (Humphrey Bogart), a ruthless associate, and Jean (Priscilla Lane), a woman who loves Eddie but is caught in a complicated web of loyalty and betrayal. As the story progresses, Eddie’s rise is mirrored by his inevitable fall, culminating in tragic consequences that reflect the fleeting nature of success and the destructiveness of the gangster lifestyle.

Analysis The film is a gritty exploration of the American Dream gone wrong, set against the backdrop of Prohibition. At its core, The Roaring Twenties is about the corruption of individuals in the pursuit of power, wealth, and freedom. Eddie, a man once filled with ambition, falls victim to the same traps of greed and excess that characterize the 1920s, a time of economic boom but also deep moral decay. The film showcases how the promises of prosperity and success can easily lead to destruction.

The use of Cagney and Bogart in these roles is pivotal, as both actors embody the tough, no-nonsense characters that defined gangster cinema in the early 20th century. Cagney’s portrayal of Eddie, in particular, reflects the internal conflict of a man trying to reconcile his former military discipline with the chaotic world of organized crime. The film’s combination of action and introspection mirrors the broader societal changes of the time—hope and despair intertwined.

Themes

1. The American Dream and Its Disillusionment: The characters’ pursuit of wealth and success, while initially promising, ultimately leads to their downfall, symbolizing the emptiness behind the American Dream.
2. Prohibition and the Rise of Organized Crime: The film illustrates how Prohibition, intended to curb alcohol consumption, inadvertently fueled the growth of criminal empires.
3. Loyalty and Betrayal: Personal relationships in the film are characterized by shifting allegiances, showing how the lure of power often leads to betrayal, even among friends and lovers.
4. The Price of Success: Eddie’s tragic arc demonstrates that the price of success—especially in the criminal world—is often death or destruction.

10 Reasons to Watch “The Roaring Twenties”

1. Classic Gangster Film: Featuring iconic performances by James Cagney and Humphrey Bogart, this is a must-watch for fans of classic gangster movies.
2. Cagney’s Charismatic Performance: Cagney’s portrayal of Eddie Bartlett is one of his most memorable, offering both toughness and vulnerability.
3. Historic Context: The film is an excellent snapshot of life during Prohibition and the aftermath of World War I.
4. Action and Suspense: The film offers a gripping narrative full of action, suspense, and thrilling moments, making it an engaging watch.
5. Cinematic Direction by Raoul Walsh: Walsh’s direction brings an energy and sophistication to the film, making it a stand-out in the gangster genre.
6. Timeless Themes: Themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the costs of success are as relevant today as they were in the 1930s.
7. The Flapper Era: The film provides a glimpse into the exuberance and excess of the Roaring Twenties, from fashion to nightlife.
8. Impact on Film Noir: This film significantly influenced the development of film noir, particularly with its exploration of moral ambiguity and crime.
9. Richly Layered Characters: The characters are complex, and their motivations evolve, making them both relatable and tragic.
10. Historical Influence: The film serves as a poignant reflection on American society’s post-WWI experience, especially the economic and social upheavals of the time.

What Will You Feel After Watching? After watching The Roaring Twenties, you may feel a mix of admiration for its cinematic achievements and a deep sense of melancholy for its tragic characters. The film’s exploration of the disillusionment that follows the American Dream will likely leave you reflecting on the fleeting nature of wealth, power, and success. Eddie’s tragic journey may provoke empathy, especially considering his flawed humanity, making you question the cost of ambition in a society that often equates success with criminality.

The film’s tension between the thrill of criminal life and its inevitable downfall may also evoke a sense of inevitability and reflection on the consequences of living a life driven by greed. By the end, the viewer is likely to feel the weight of the characters’ choices and the broader implications of their lives in an era defined by economic extremes.

In conclusion, The Roaring Twenties is not just a crime film but a poignant meditation on the American experience during a time of prosperity, excess, and eventual ruin. It offers both excitement and introspection, making it a film that resonates long after the credits roll