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Scarface (1932) - Gangster Film
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Scarface (1932)

description Scarface (1932) Overview

Scarface (1932) is a seminal American gangster film directed by Howard Hawks. The story follows Tony Montana, portrayed by Paul Muni, an ambitious Cuban immigrant rising through the ranks of a Chicago mafia organization during Prohibition. Notably, it offers a stark portrayal of criminal ambition and violence within the 1930s underworld. It’s relevant for those interested in early American cinema, organized crime history, and studies of film noir narratives.

insights Ranking position

Scarface (1932) ranks #4 of 100 in the Gangster Film ranking, behind Gangs of Wasseypur - Part 2, ahead of Satya.

help Scarface (1932) FAQ

Who directed Scarface (1932)?

Scarface (1932) was directed by Howard Hawks, with uncredited directorial contributions from Richard Rosson. The film was produced by the notoriously independent-minded producer Howard Hughes, who struggled with censorship boards over its violent content.

Who plays the lead role in Scarface (1932)?

The lead role of Tony Camonte is played by Paul Muni, a highly regarded stage and film actor of the era. Muni's intense portrayal of the ambitious gangster drew loose inspiration from the real-life mobster Al Capone, upon whom the character was based.

Is the 1932 Scarface connected to the 1983 remake with Al Pacino?

Both films are loosely inspired by the 1929 novel Scarface by Armitage Trail, which was itself based on Al Capone. However, the 1983 Brian De Palma remake starring Al Pacino as Tony Montana changes the setting to Miami and the protagonist's background to Cuban, while the 1932 original is set in Chicago with an Italian-American lead.

Why was Scarface (1932) controversial?

Scarface faced intense opposition from the Hays Code censors and local censorship boards due to its graphic violence and perceived glorification of gangster life. Howard Hughes was forced to make multiple cuts and even shot an alternate ending in which Tony Camonte is hanged, though many audiences saw the original version.

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