The Mayor of Hell 1933
"Rips the Lid from an Inferno of Human Passions!"
Directed by Archie Mayo, *The Mayor of Hell (1933)* plunges into the gritty underbelly of a juvenile reformatory where hardened teens clash with a corrupt administration led by the ruthless Thompson.
Director: Archie Mayo
Cast
James Cagney
Richard 'Patsy' Gargan
Madge Evans
Dorothy Griffith
Frankie Darro
James 'Jimmie' Smith
Dudley Digges
Thompson
Arthur Byron
Judge H.J. Gilbert
Allen Jenkins
Mike
Sheila Terry
Blonde with Mike
Robert Barrat
Fred Smith
Allen 'Farina' Hoskins
Joliet "Smoke" Hemingway
Harold Huber
Joe
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Mayor of Hell (1933) about?
This 1933 crime drama follows a former gangster turned reformer who takes over a brutal juvenile detention center, determined to change the system. His radical methods spark a battle between justice and corruption, exposing the harsh realities faced by troubled teens in state custody.
Who directed The Mayor of Hell?
The Mayor of Hell was directed by Archie Mayo, a filmmaker known for his sharp character-driven dramas in the early sound era.
Who stars in The Mayor of Hell?
The film stars James Cagney as Patsy Gargan, with Madge Evans, Frankie Darro, Dudley Digges, and Arthur Byron rounding out the main cast.
Is The Mayor of Hell (1933) worth watching?
Though unrated on IMDb, *The Mayor of Hell* delivers a compelling mix of social drama and crime thrills. Its Pre-Code energy, strong performances, and bold themes make it a standout for fans of gritty 1930s cinema.
How long is The Mayor of Hell?
The Mayor of Hell has a runtime of 90 minutes.
🎥 Trailer
About The Mayor of Hell (1933) — James Cagney Stars in a Gritty Reformatory Drama
Directed by Archie Mayo, *The Mayor of Hell (1933)* plunges into the gritty underbelly of a juvenile reformatory where hardened teens clash with a corrupt administration led by the ruthless Thompson. When Patsy Gargan—a street-smart former gangster turned Deputy Commissioner—takes charge, he shakes up the system with radical reforms, exposing systemic abuse and injustice. This Pre-Code crime drama blends raw tensions with fiery reformist themes, capturing the explosive atmosphere of rebellion and redemption.
James Cagney's electrifying performance as Patsy anchors a cast that embodies both defiance and vulnerability, from Madge Evans' determined reformer to Frankie Darro's reluctant gang member. With its soaring social commentary and relentless pacing, *The Mayor of Hell (1933)* remains a stark portrayal of institutional failure and the fight for humanity behind bars.
