Scarface (1932)
In 1920s Chicago, Italian immigrant and notorious thug, Antonio 'Tony' Camonte, aka Scarface, shoots his way to the top of the mobs while trying to protect his sister from the criminal life.
Details
Budget
$800,000
Rating
7/10 (610 votes)
Status
Released
Production Companies
The Caddo Company, United Artists
About Scarface
Howard Hawks' 1932 crime drama "Scarface" explores the rise and fall of gangster Tony Camonte in 1920s Chicago. The film delves into themes of ambition and the violent realities of the Prohibition era, as Camonte navigates gang wars and tries to control his sister's life while climbing the criminal ladder. Often noted for its pre-Code audacity, the movie features intense sibling relationship dynamics set against a backdrop of mobster activity.
The film stands out for its depiction of a ruthless gangster during a period when such portrayals were still relatively new in cinema. Its black-and-white cinematography and the focus on the early 20th-century underworld contribute to its enduring reputation as a significant work within the crime genre. The narrative, based on a novel, captures the period's lawlessness and the personal costs associated with a life of crime.
"Scarface" has garnered strong critical reception, holding a 98% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 90/100 on Metacritic. Its impact on gangster films is evident, establishing many tropes that would be revisited in later works. The film's portrayal of a powerful, yet ultimately doomed, figure like Tony Camonte remains a key element of its legacy.
Why you might be searching for Scarface
People often search for the 1932 version of "Scarface" due to its iconic status as an early gangster film, the black-and-white cinematography, and its pre-Code era edginess. Specific scenes, like the protagonist with a machine gun and ammunition belt, are memorable. Its historical context as a prohibition-era movie about mobsters and gang wars, often highlighting the main character's ambition and ultimate downfall, also drives searches.
What reviewers are saying
One reviewer found Howard Hawks' direction of this gangster film steady and noted how it conveyed a sense of fear and violence without being overtly graphic. They felt George Raft's performance was particularly charismatic, even over Paul Muni's top billing, and observed that the film still holds up after nearly 90 years.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions about finding and identifying movies
You can stream the 1932 film *Scarface* for free on Kanopy. It's also available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Fandango At Home. For physical copies, you can buy the DVD or Blu-ray from retailers like Amazon and Barnes & Noble. The film is also available to stream on the Criterion Channel. [justwatch.com](https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/scarface)
Yes, the 1932 film *Scarface* is loosely based on the 1930 novel by Armitage Trail, which in turn was inspired by the life of gangster Al Capone. The film's screenwriter, Ben Hecht, was a journalist in Chicago and knew Capone. [wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scarface_(1932_film))
In the original ending of the 1932 *Scarface*, Tony Camonte is brought down by his possessive love for his sister, Cesca. After he kills her husband, Guino, Cesca attempts to kill Tony but can't bring herself to do it. They arm themselves and fight off the police together, but Cesca is killed by a stray bullet. Tony, distraught, stumbles down the stairs and is shot dead in the street as a billboard reading "The World Is Yours" blazes above him. [criterion.com](https://www.criterion.com/current/posts/8645-scarface-gangster-style)
The 1932 film *Scarface* is highly acclaimed by critics, with a 98% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and "universal acclaim" on Metacritic. It is seen as a classic gangster film that blends stylish visuals, thrilling violence, and a strong cast, influencing later gangster films like Brian De Palma's 1983 remake. [wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scarface_(1932_film))