Scarface

I was led to this Howard Hughes production by The Aviator, and as directed by Howard Hawks it’s an early sound classic that holds up, setting the model not just for the Brian DePalma remake with Al Pacino, but the entire tradition of gangster movies through The Godfather and beyond. Pre-Code and pre-PC, the film is full of sexual and ethnic innuendo, and was held up for a year or more until Hughes tacked on some moralizing elements and the subtitle, “Shame of a Nation.” But it has a sophisticated visual style and some striking performances, notably Paul Muni in the title role, loosely based on, and admired by, Al Capone. (1932, TCM/T, n.) *7*