King of the Roaring '20s: The Story of Arnold Rothstein

King of the Roaring '20s: The Story of Arnold Rothstein is a classic gangster film that tells the story of the rise and fall of one of the most notorious figures of the Prohibition era. Directed by Joseph M. Newman and released in 1961, the movie stars David Janssen as Arnold Rothstein, Dianne Foster as his girlfriend Carolyn Green, and Jack Carson as George 'Hump' McManus, his loyal henchman.

The film starts with the introduction of Arnold Rothstein, a cunning and intelligent gambler who quickly rises to become one of the most powerful figures in the underworld of New York City during the 1920s. Rothstein is not just a criminal, but also a mastermind, who is always one step ahead of his competitors and the law enforcement agencies.

The storyline of the film revolves around Rothstein's criminal activities, including bootlegging, gambling, loan-sharking, and fixing the World Series. He is a man with immense wealth and power, but his rise to the top is not without its challenges. He faces threats from rival gangsters, corrupt politicians, and even the FBI, but he never loses his cool and always manages to overcome these obstacles.

As the story unfolds, we see how Rothstein's life and business start to unravel. His relationship with his girlfriend Carolyn becomes strained, and his loyal henchman Hump McManus starts to feel left out and neglected. Meanwhile, the FBI is hot on his trail, and the stakes become higher.

The movie's cinematography is stunning, with a mix of scenes shot in black and white and color. The sets and costumes perfectly capture the glitz and glamour of the roaring 20s, while the music, composed by Elmer Bernstein, sets the mood for each scene, whether it's a tense confrontation or a romantic interlude.

The performances by the lead actors are outstanding, especially David Janssen, who portrays Arnold Rothstein with a perfect balance of charm, intelligence, and menace. He is the epitome of a criminal mastermind, always calm and collected, even in the face of danger. Dianne Foster's performance as Carolyn Green is also noteworthy, as she brings to life the character of Rothstein's girlfriend, who is torn between her loyalty to him and her desire for a simpler life.

Jack Carson, who plays Hump McManus, Rothstein's right-hand man, also delivers a solid performance, bringing depth and nuance to the character, who is more than just a stereotypical gangster sidekick.

Overall, King of the Roaring '20s: The Story of Arnold Rothstein is a classic film that captures the essence of the prohibition era and the life of one of its most infamous personalities. With its gripping storyline, impressive cinematography, and stellar performances, the movie is a must-watch for fans of gangster films and crime dramas.