Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye (1950)

72% of users liked it
(375 ratings)

Based on a novel by Horace McCoy (They Shoot Horses, Don't They), Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye offers James Cagney at his nastiest. The star plays career criminal Ralph Cotter, who gets things started by violently busting out of jail, then murdering his partner in crime. Seeking out female companionship,… More Based on a novel by Horace McCoy (They Shoot Horses, Don't They), Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye offers James Cagney at his nastiest. The star plays career criminal Ralph Cotter, who gets things started by violently busting out of jail, then murdering his partner in crime. Seeking out female companionship, he "courts" his ex-partner's sister Holiday (Barbara Payton) by beating her black and blue. After committing a robbery, he is approached by two crooked cops who want a piece of the action. Blackmailing the cops, Cotter gains control of the situation. Is there any way to stop this fascinating creep? Filmgoers in Ohio never found out, because Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye was banned in that state as "a sordid, sadistic presentation of brutality and an extreme presentation of crime with explicit steps in commission." Supporting Cagney are Luther Adler as his equally crooked lawyer, Ward Bond and Barton MacLane as the dishonest cops, and Cagney's brother William (who produced the film) as Ralph Cotter's brother. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 42 min.
Directed By: Gordon Douglas
Written By: Harry Brown, Horace McCoy
Genres: Drama, Mystery & Suspense, Classics

In Theaters: Aug 4, 1950 Wide
On DVD: Mar 26, 2002

Critic Reviews

Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
Brutal and cynical.

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

Bruce B

I rented this film because of Barbara Payton, little did I know that James Cagney would be the main star. Cagney was outstanding in his role as a gangster, and Payton played his crime gal and did an excellent job. Its a early Black and White film that will hold your interest. We have… More
I rented this film because of Barbara Payton, little did I know that James Cagney would be the main star. Cagney was outstanding in his role as a gangster, and Payton played his crime gal and did an excellent job. Its a early Black and White film that will hold your interest. We have crooked detectives, a pissed off girlfriend and a secret lover, everything that makes a good film. A 4 star film.

Cast

            James Cagney as Ralph Cotter

            Barbara Payton as Holiday Carleton

            Helena Carter as Margaret Dobson

            Ward Bond as Inspector Weber

            Luther Adler as Cherokee Mandon

            Barton MacLane as Reece

            Steve Brodie as Jinx Raynor

            Rhys Williams as Vic Mason

            Herbert Heyes as Ezra Dobson

            John Litel as Chief of Police Tolgate

            William Frawley as Byers

            Robert Karnes as Det. Gray

            Kenneth Tobey as Detective Fowler

            Dan Riss as District Attorney

            Frank Reicher as Doc Green

            John Halloran as Cobbett

            Neville Brand as Carleton

            Georgia Caine as Julia

            John Day
            
            Thomas P. Dillon as Apperson

            Jack Gargan as Clerk of Court

            Clark Howat as Intern

            Frank Marlowe as Joe the Milkman

            Matt McHugh as Satterfield

            Charles Meredith as Mr. Golightly

            William Murphy as Motorcycle Policeman

            Dick Rich
            
            Gordon Richards as Butler

            Ric Roman as Collector

            George Spaulding as Judge

            Ann Tyrrell as Miss Staines

            Frank Wilcox as Doctor

            Mack Williams as Hartford

            Ilka Windish
            
            William Cagney as Ralph's Brother

            King Donovan as Driver

            Dan Ferniel as Highness

            Fred Revelala as Rafael

            Mark Strong as Bailiff
See full cast