Little Caesar 1931
"The Power-Mad Monarch of the Murder Mobs!"
In the gritty underworld of 1930s Chicago, "Little Caesar (1931)" follows the ruthless rise of Rico Bandello, a small-time crook with big ambitions, as he claws his way to the top of the criminal hierarchy.
Director: Mervyn LeRoy
Cast
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Little Caesar (1931) about?
This classic crime drama follows Rico Bandello, a determined but morally wayward criminal who rises from obscurity to become a feared mob leader. His journey is marked by violence, betrayal, and an insatiable hunger for control, culminating in a dramatic downfall that leaves no room for redemption.
Who directed Little Caesar?
Mervyn LeRoy directed this groundbreaking film, bringing a sharp eye for atmosphere and narrative depth to the gangster genre.
Who stars in Little Caesar?
The film features Edward G. Robinson as Rico Bandello, Douglas Fairbanks Jr., Glenda Farrell, William Collier Jr., and Sidney Blackmer in pivotal roles.
Is Little Caesar (1931) worth watching?
Absolutely—this is a foundational crime drama that defined the gangster genre for decades. Its gripping storytelling, stellar performances, and historical significance make it a must-watch for fans of classic cinema, despite its age. The film's themes of ambition and corruption remain as relevant today as they were in 1931.
How long is Little Caesar?
The runtime of Little Caesar is 79 minutes.
🎥 Trailer
About Little Caesar (1931) — The Rise and Fall of a 1930s Gangster Icon
In the gritty underworld of 1930s Chicago, "Little Caesar (1931)" follows the ruthless rise of Rico Bandello, a small-time crook with big ambitions, as he claws his way to the top of the criminal hierarchy. Directed by Mervyn LeRoy, this crime drama pulses with tension, exploring the seductive allure of power and the inevitable price of betrayal. Edward G. Robinson delivers a legendary performance as Rico, a character whose unchecked ambition blinds him to loyalty and morality, while Douglas Fairbanks Jr. shines as his conflicted counterpart. With its shadowy cinematography and morally complex narrative, the film captures the raw, desperate atmosphere of Prohibition-era gangster life.
At its core, "Little Caesar (1931)" is a cautionary tale about the corrupting influence of power and the fragility of success. The film's iconic tagline—"The Power-Mad Monarch of the Murder Mobs!"—perfectly encapsulates Rico's descent into tyranny, where every ally becomes a potential threat. A landmark of early gangster cinema, this movie set the template for the genre, blending action, drama, and a stark critique of societal decay.
