Watch Hard to Handle

James Cagney stars as Lefty Merrill, a fast-talking manager of a group of racketeers in this 1933 comedy film directed by Mervyn LeRoy. The film follows Lefty as he tries to keep his gang together while dealing with the rival gang of Gus Andrews (Lyle Talbot) and the advances of a persistent newspaper reporter named Ruth Waters (Mary Brian).

At the beginning of the film, Lefty and his gang are trying to muscle in on a waterfront construction project, but they are met with resistance from Andrews and his men. As the two gangs battle for control, Lefty becomes concerned about the safety of his crew and decides to send them all away on a vacation. While they are gone, Lefty finds himself a new girlfriend, Gail (Ruth Donnelly), who helps him with his business dealings.

Meanwhile, Ruth Waters begins sniffing around the criminal underworld and sets her sights on getting an exclusive interview with Lefty Merrill. Lefty is initially resistant to her advances, but he eventually finds himself drawn to her plucky attitude and her willingness to play along with his schemes. As the two get closer, Lefty begins to share more and more of his secrets with Ruth.

However, when Lefty's men return from their vacation, tensions begin to flare once again between his gang and Andrews'. As the two sides prepare for an all-out war, Lefty becomes increasingly desperate to maintain control and keep his crew out of harm's way. He enlists the help of a corrupt police detective named Mike (Allen Jenkins) and comes up with a plan that could bring an end to the violence once and for all.

The film features several memorable performances, including Cagney's energetic turn as Lefty Merrill. Known for his tough-guy roles, Cagney brings a sense of humor and charm to the character that makes him more likable than some of his other on-screen personas. Mary Brian is equally impressive as the plucky news reporter, holding her own against Cagney's larger-than-life presence. Allen Jenkins adds some comedic relief as the sleazy detective, while Ruth Donnelly steals scenes as Lefty's loyal girlfriend.

Hard to Handle is a classic gangster film that balances humor and action with ease. Cagney's performance is a standout, and the film is a reminder of why he remains one of Hollywood's most iconic actors. The film's fast pace and witty dialogue keep the viewer engaged throughout, and the climactic showdown between the two gangs is a thrilling spectacle. Overall, Hard to Handle is a must-see for fans of classic Hollywood cinema and anyone who appreciates a good gangster flick.

Hard to Handle is a 1933 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 18 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6.