101 Gangster Movies You Must See Before You Die

by Steven Jay Schneider

Book by

Genres: Film, Nonfiction

416 pages, Perfect Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

Steven Jay Schneider is a film critic, scholar, and producer with M.A. degrees in Philosophy from Harvard University and in Cinema Studies from New York University. He is the author and editor of numerous books on world cinema, most notably in the horror genre. They include Eurohorror, The Cinema of Wes Craven: An Auteur on Elm Street, Designing Fear: An Aesthetics of Cinematic Horror, Killing in Style: Artistic Murder in the Movies, Understanding Film Genres, and Traditions in World Cinema. He is also a consultant for film, television, and home video/DVD production companies, a curator for world horror film programs, and a staff member in development for Paramount Pictures. Among his recent titles are 501 Movie Stars and 501 Movie Directors, both available in North America from Barron's. Two additional titles from Barron's are scheduled for publication in Spring 09. They are 101 Horror Movies You Must See Before You Die and 101 Sci-Fi Movies You Must See Before You Die.

Reviews

[Matthew]

Probably the best of the series that I've read, this is pretty much wall to wall classics. A lot of films I love but haven't seen for a long time, a lot of films I've seen far too many times and a real good sprinkling of gems I'd never heard of. Schneider covers each entry with aplomb, this is a great read.

[Jessica]

A good, comprehensive look at the gangster genre of film

[Andy Hickman]

“101 Gangster Movies You Must See Before You Die” by Steven Jay Schnieder

Great book covering the gangster genre in movies since 1912.
Each listing has the original movie poster, a two page detailed description and review including a memorable quote, and a publicity photo from the film.
I appreciated the many pioneering films and the weight given to the '30s, '40s and '50s.
Some of my favourite quotes include:

“I'd like [to] sleep but by the time I get through with the coroner it'll be time to go to Mass.” - McQuigg, in 'The Racket' (1928 silent film) p.25

“Mother of Mercy! Is this the end of Rico?” - Rico Bandello, in 'Little Caesar' (1931) p.30

“When you talk to me, take that toothpick outta your mouth.” - The Kid, in 'City Streets' (1931) p.34

“Injustice is relatively easy to bear; What stings is justice.” - H.L. Mencken (writer), in 'Each Dawn I Die' (1939) p.82

“I just met the swellest dame … she smacked me in the kisser.” - Paul Madvig, in 'The Glass Key' (1942) p.98

“All [Bogart] has to do to dominate a scene is to enter it.” - Raymond Chandler, author of the novel, 'The Big Sleep' (1946) p.106

“One Rocco more or less isn't worth dying for!” - Frank McCloud (Bogart), in 'Key Largo' (1948) p.130

“Sometimes I meet a guy and then I never see him again. I got a big turnover in friends.” - Rico, in 'The Enforcer' (1951) p150.

“Well, you're about as romantic as a pair of handcuffs.” - Debby Marsh, in 'The Big Heat' (1953) p.158

“You know what's wrong with you? You've been seeing too many gangster movies.” - Susie Vargas, in 'Touch of Evil' (1958) p.178.