Little Caesar
A small-time hood shoots his way to the top, but how long can he stay there?
Critics Sentiment
Rico dies behind a billboard asking Mother of mercy is this the end of Rico
Sergeant Flaherty uses information from Olga to systematically destroy Rico's empire
The film's most dramatic shift occurs as Rico reaches his criminal peak controlling Chicago's Northside, then rapidly loses everything as police systematically destroy his organization.
Little Caesar maintains strong critical appreciation throughout, anchored by Edward G. Robinson's iconic performance as the ruthless Rico. The film peaks with memorable violent moments like the church steps killing and builds to Rico's criminal empire zenith, before a more subdued but still powerful downfall. Critics consistently praise Robinson's acting and the film's historical significance, though some note the static direction and predictable rise-and-fall structure.
Full cast
Showing 20 of 32
Edward G. Robinson
Caesar Enrico 'Rico' Bandello aka 'Little Caesar'
Douglas Fairbanks Jr.
Joe Massara
Glenda Farrell
Olga Stassoff
William Collier Jr.
Tony Passa
Sidney Blackmer
Big Boy
Ralph Ince
Pete Montana
Thomas E. Jackson
Sgt. Flaherty
Stanley Fields
Sam Vettori
Maurice Black
Little Arnie Lorch
George E. Stone
Otero
Armand Kaliz
De Voss
Nicholas Bela
Ritz Colonna
Ernie Adams
Cashier (uncredited)
Elmer Ballard
Bat Carilla (uncredited)
Ferike Boros
Mrs. Passa (uncredited)
Kernan Cripps
Detective (uncredited)
George Daly
Machine-Gunner (uncredited)
Adolph Faylauer
New Year's Celebrant (uncredited)
Ben Hendricks Jr.
Kid Bean (uncredited)
Al Hill
Rico's 'Butler' (uncredited)
Crew
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