Picture Snatcher

Released Apr 26, 1933

1h 16m

Drama

List

Reviews

64%

Audience Score

100+ Ratings

After being released from prison, former gangster Danny Kean (James Cagney) decides to reform, getting a job as a newspaper photographer. He falls for Patricia (Patricia Ellis), but she is the daughter of Lt. Nolan (Robert Emmett O'Connor), a policeman who knows Kean's shady past. When Kean covertly photographs an execution, Nolan gets into trouble, which pits both father and daughter against Kean. He must then use his street smarts to find a big story in order to redeem himself in their eyes.

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Pare Lorentz

Vanity Fair

Loud, trivial, illogical comedy thrown together as an excuse for James Cagney to exhibit a series of tricks for the edification of taxi drivers, professional wrestlers, and college boys.

Jun 14, 2019

Full Review

Mattie Lucas

From the Front Row

A rip-roaring, crackerjack, sort-of gangster picture in the best pre-code Warner Brothers tradition that has been long overlooked in favor of Cagney's more famous roles.

Rated: 3/4

Jun 3, 2019

Full Review

David Cornelius

DVDTalk.com

Like the best of these studio quickies, this one provides audiences with a little of everything, and the entertainment value is enormous.

Rated: 4.5/5

Apr 5, 2008

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Audience Member

good pre-code actioner

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

01/21/23

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Audience Member

As an ex-gangster trying to go straight in the newspaper biz, Cagney delivers another bold performance -- which is the main recommendation for 'Picture Snatcher'. Aside from its tabloid journalism hook, this is a pretty paint-by-numbers crime pic.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

01/16/23

Full Review

Audience Member

it's all about cagney. this is what he does best

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

02/09/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Cagney steals the show yet again with a fantastic performance. Unfortunately, the film's plot was poorly designed (like many movies of the era): the plot doesn't know exactly where to go, so it goes too many places. If nothing else, entertaining.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

02/06/23

Full Review

Audience Member

A great energetic performance from James Cagney as an ex-con gangster who decides to go 'legit' by becoming a tabloid paper photographer. With his wits and connections, he is able to get in and around the places that other papers would never dare. At a fast paced 76 minute runtime, it's pretty amazing what they got crammed into the plot, but that's what they did best back in those days.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/18/23

Full Review

Audience Member

I watched this film for the first time yesterday. It's a film that I think all of you guys will enjoy. James Cagney is a sure delight in this role...Njoy!!!

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

02/22/23

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Lloyd Bacon

Director

James Cagney

Danny Kean

Patricia Ellis

Patricia "Pat" Nolan

Alice White

Allison

Ralph Bellamy

J.R. "Al" McLean

Ralf Harolde

Jerry the Mug

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Synopsis

After being released from prison, former gangster Danny Kean (James Cagney) decides to reform, getting a job as a newspaper photographer. He falls for Patricia (Patricia Ellis), but she is the daughter of Lt. Nolan (Robert Emmett O'Connor), a policeman who knows Kean's shady past. When Kean covertly photographs an execution, Nolan gets into trouble, which pits both father and daughter against Kean. He must then use his street smarts to find a big story in order to redeem himself in their eyes.

Director: Lloyd Bacon
Production Co: Warner Bros.
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Apr 26, 1933, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 1, 2012
Runtime: 1h 16m

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