Taxi!

Viewed February 24, 2022. This energetic pre-code movie about warring cab companies impressively switches tones throughout its jam-packed 68 minutes, going from romantic comedy to violent drama without missing a beat. This seems like the specialty of the Roy Del Ruth and James Cagney tag team, especially given that Cagney was such a versatile actor who could imbue his rough criminal characters with sweetness and musicality.

A shorter film filled with unlikeable characters being assholes to each other. James Cagney has the ability to be quite versatile and here he bounces between a charming rascal and a semi-abusive ass quite quickly and often.

Cagney left her meter running

James Cagney is always great and him and Loretta Young sure make a sweet couple. Taxi! has got a few high points, but it's a somewhat underwhelming production overall. The end climax as Cagney hunts the murderer of his brother is one of the strong parts of the movie. But a lot of the other angles of the film kind of just happen and then on to the next part in their lives. A bit short at 69 minutes to be a Cagney classic. But you'll still find a lot of quality Cagney moments to enjoy this!

James Cagney plays assholes so well. True to form, he steals every scene in this film as Matt, the cabbie with a real anger problem. A personal highlight is watching Matt lose it and punch his opponent out after he and co-star Loretta Young lose a dance-off.

Absorbing working class drama. Raft and Cagney are good; Loretta Young is beautiful, but a little out of place.