Smart Money (1931)

45% of users liked it
(288 ratings)

Edward G. Robinson and James Cagney were teamed for the only time in their careers in Smart Money. Robinson has the larger part as a small-town barber who fancies himself a big-time gambler. He travels to the Big City in the company of his younger brother Cagney, who wants to make sure that Robinson… More Edward G. Robinson and James Cagney were teamed for the only time in their careers in Smart Money. Robinson has the larger part as a small-town barber who fancies himself a big-time gambler. He travels to the Big City in the company of his younger brother Cagney, who wants to make sure that Robinson isn't fleeced by the high-rollers. Unfortunately Robinson has a weakness for beautiful blondes, most of whom take him for all his money or betray him in some other manner. The cops aren't keen on Robinson's gambling activities, but they can pin nothing on him until he accidentally kills Cagney in a fight. The incident results in a jail term for manslaughter, and a more sober-sided outlook on life for the formerly flamboyant Robinson. Watch closely in the first reel of Smart Money for an unbilled appearance by Boris Karloff as a dope pusher. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 30 min.
Directed By: Edward G. Robinson, James Cagney
Genres: Drama, Classics

In Theaters: Jul 11, 1931 Wide
On DVD: Mar 25, 2008

Critic Reviews

Gabe Leibowitz, Film and Felt
In many ways, the first half of Alfred E. Green's Smart Money can be seen as a stage-setter for John Dahl's game-changing Rounders.
David Cornelius, DVDTalk.com
Few actors had the energy and charisma to keep up with the rat-a-tat pacing of pre-Code gangster flicks that Robinson had.
John J. Puccio, Movie Metropolis
For a film starring two such well-known and flamboyant actors as Robinson and Cagney, Smart Money seems relatively staid and reserved.
John J. Puccio, Movie Metropolis
After the stars' debut in Little Caesar and The Public Enemy, this one must have been a letdown for fans. It was for me.
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
A typical Warner Brothers crime drama of that period.

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Featured Audience Ratings

AJ V

This movie is pretty slow for most of it, especially because of all the card playing and gambling scenes, but it gets more exciting towards the ending. It was cool to finally see Robinson and Cagney together in a movie, although I was confused as to weather they were supposed to be… More
This movie is pretty slow for most of it, especially because of all the card playing and gambling scenes, but it gets more exciting towards the ending. It was cool to finally see Robinson and Cagney together in a movie, although I was confused as to weather they were supposed to be brothers or just best friends or what. Overall, an okay movie.
Michael G

Smart Money is a pretty fun pseudo-gangster movie about a barber/professional gambler who makes it to the big time. Edward G. Robinson is his usual great self but its the dynamic between him and James Cagney as his right hand man that makes Smart Money. That and some elements of this… More
Smart Money is a pretty fun pseudo-gangster movie about a barber/professional gambler who makes it to the big time. Edward G. Robinson is his usual great self but its the dynamic between him and James Cagney as his right hand man that makes Smart Money. That and some elements of this movie really reminded me of the remake of Ocean's Eleven. No new ground is broken with this movie but its got a few entertaining parts (particularly Cagney's pantomime about a woman waiting to see Robinson) but the way the story completely shifted gears in the last 10 minutes really bugged me. Overall, a good fun quick watch.

Cast

            Edward G. Robinson as Nick "The Barber" Venizelos

            Evelyn Knapp as Irene Graham

            James Cagney as Jack

            Ralf Harolde as Sleepy Sam

            Boris Karloff as Sport Williams

            Morgan Wallace as Prosecutor Black

            Margaret Livingston as Prosecuter's Girl

            Noel Francis as Marie

            Maurice Black as Greek Barber

            Ben Taggart as Hickory Short

            Edwin Argus as Two-Time Phil

            John George as Dwarf On Train

            Edward Hearn as Reporter

            Billy House as Salesman-Gambler

            Eulalie Jensen as Matron

            Eddie Kane as Tom

            Allan Lane as A Suicide

            Gus Leonard as Joe

            Mae Madison as Small-Town Girl

            Larry McGrath
            
            Charlotte Merriam as Girl at gaming table

            Charles O'Malley as Machine-Gunner

            Walter Percival as Dealer Barnes

            Paul Porcasi as Alexander Amenoppopolus

            Clinton Rosemond as George the porter

            Harry Semels as Gambler

            Polly Walters as Lola

            Charles Lane as Desk Clerk

            John Larkin as Snake Eyes

            Wallace MacDonald as Cigar Stand Clerk

            Spencer Bell
            
            Clark 'Buddy' Burroughs as Back-to-Back Schultz

            Gladys Lloyd as Cigar Stand Clerk
See full cast

Smart Money (1931)

Critic Reviews

Featured Audience Ratings

AJ V

Michael G

Cast