Angels Wash Their Faces 1939
"What a Woman This "Oomph" Girl Is...She Makes These "Angels" Wash and Behave!"
In "Angels Wash Their Faces (1939)", director Ray Enright crafts a gritty urban drama where redemption meets moral decay in 1930s America. The story follows a young ex-con fresh out of reform school, desperate to leave his past behind.
Director: Ray Enright
Cast
Ann Sheridan
Joy Ryan
Billy Halop
William "Billy" Shafter
Bernard Punsly
Luke "Sleepy" Arkelian (as Bernard Punsley)
Leo Gorcey
Leo Finnegan
Huntz Hall
Huntz
Gabriel Dell
Luigi
Bobby Jordan
Bernie Smith
Ronald Reagan
Patrick "Pat" Remson
Bonita Granville
Peggy Finnegan
Frankie Thomas
Gabe Ryan
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Angels Wash Their Faces (1939) about?
The film follows a young man released from reform school who moves to a new neighborhood with his sister, only to be drawn into a world of crime and corruption. When he's wrongfully accused of arson and murder, he must fight to clear his name while navigating the dangerous alliances around him.
Who directed Angels Wash Their Faces?
The film was directed by Ray Enright, known for his work in crime dramas and social issue films of the 1930s and 1940s.
Who stars in Angels Wash Their Faces?
The cast features Ann Sheridan, Billy Halop, Bernard Punsly, Leo Gorcey, and Huntz Hall, with Gabriel Dell rounding out the core group.
Is Angels Wash Their Faces (1939) worth watching?
While not rated on IMDb, this drama offers a compelling blend of crime, social commentary, and early 1940s grit. Fans of classic gangster films or morality tales with strong performances will find it engaging. Its tight runtime and moral dilemmas make it a solid pick for fans of the genre.
How long is Angels Wash Their Faces?
Angels Wash Their Faces runs for 86 minutes.
About Angels Wash Their Faces (1939) — A 1930s Crime Drama of Redemption and Corruption
In "Angels Wash Their Faces (1939)", director Ray Enright crafts a gritty urban drama where redemption meets moral decay in 1930s America. The story follows a young ex-con fresh out of reform school, desperate to leave his past behind. He relocates with his sister to a tough neighborhood, only to be ensnared by a ruthless mob boss and a web of corruption stretching into city hall. Before long, he's framed for crimes he didn't commit, forcing him to confront the harsh realities of a society that offers little grace to those trying to change.
With its sharp social commentary and tense atmosphere, this drama explores themes of justice, brotherhood, and the fragile line between innocence and guilt. Ann Sheridan shines as the magnetic "Oomph Girl," a woman whose presence disrupts the dangerous status quo, while a spirited young cast including Billy Halop and Leo Gorcey brings raw energy to the streets of this morally complex world.
