Each Dawn I Die

Somewhat routine Warner Brothers social-conscience movie, with Cagney as the crusading reporter fighting political corruption and getting framed for murder; in prison he meets up with gangster Raft, becomes a hardened victim of the tough system, and eventually becomes involved in a riot. Theoretically interestingly bleak, in that Cagney, already disillusioned about justice, also loses his faith in friendship (thinking himself betrayed by Raft) and goes round the bend insolitary. But the muddled script ties itself up in knots, and the broody direction is unremarkable. Cagney's fiery presence gives the whole thing a much-needed lift.