Gang leader Cody Jarrett (James Cagney) lives for his mother, planning heists between horrible headaches. During a train robbery that goes wrong, Cody shoots an investigator. Realizing Cody will never be stopped if he knows he's being pursued, authorities plant undercover agent Hank (Edmond O'Brien) in Cody's cell. When his mother dies, a distraught Cody breaks out of jail, bringing Hank along to join his gang. With Hank in communication with the police, Cody plans a payroll heist.
James Cagney
Virginia Mayo
Edmond O'Brien
Margaret Wycherly
Steve Cochran
Director Raoul Walsh
Screenplay Ivan Goff, Ben Roberts
Producer Louis F. Edelman
Cinematography Sidney Hickox
Editing Owen Marks
Music Max Steiner
Distributor Warner Bros.
Film Noir Confidential