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Picture Snatcher is a 1933 American pre-Code comedy-drama film directed by Lloyd Bacon and starring James Cagney as a reformed gangster who pursues his dream to be a photojournalist.
The film is based on a semiautobiographical story written by Daniel Ahern, a former underworld figure who had also been a tabloid photographer. The story is also the basis of the 1942 film Escape from Crime.
Danny dates journalism student Pat Nolan, but Al's reporter girlfriend Allison also wants Danny's affections. Danny discovers that Pat's father Casey Nolan is the police lieutenant who had shot and arrested him before his prison stint. Nolan orders his daughter to stop seeing Danny, but Danny arranges for another newspaper to print a flattering story about Nolan that leads to his promotion to the rank of captain.
When a woman is scheduled to be executed at Sing Sing, the Graphic News is the only paper not invited to cover the event. But with Nolan's help, Danny is permitted into the press room to witness the electrocution. With a concealed camera strapped to his ankle, Danny snaps a photo of the woman in the electric chair (echoing the real-life picture taken of murderer Ruth Snyder in 1928). When another reporter discovers the camera and informs the guards, a wild car chase ensues, but Danny delivers the photo to the Graphic News and is handsomely rewarded. The photograph is printed on the front page. However, Pat dumps him after her father is demoted for having permitted Danny to enter the press room. Danny is distraught and admits that he had not considered how his stunt would affect Pat.
Al arranges for Danny to hide from the police at Allison's apartment, as she is leaving town on assignment. Allison returns early and attempts to seduce Danny, who resists her advances. Al finds Allison and Danny in a compromising position and thinks that Danny is involved with his girlfriend, and the men exchange punches. Danny disappears from his usual circles and becomes a drunkard to drown his sorrows. Al finds him and apologizes, informing Danny that he has quit the newspaper.
The leader of Danny's old gang, Jerry the Mug, has killed two during a robbery and is the target of a manhunt. If Danny or Al can find Jerry, the scoop will lead to jobs at any paper in town. Danny finds Jerry's hideout and pretends that he has come to check on him out of concern. The police locate the hideout, and a violent gun battle ensues, during which Danny snaps photos of Jerry as he is shot dead by the police. Danny lies to the police, telling them that he had been working undercover for Nolan, so that Nolan can be promoted to the rank of captain once again. Danny and Pat are reunited, and Danny and Al are able to secure jobs at the more reputable Daily Record.
In preparation for the role, James Cagney spent a day in the office of a Los Angeles newspaper learning about the editorial, photographic and typesetting processes.
During filming, Alice White was knocked unconscious and nearly lost teeth when a misplaced punch from Cagney struck her in the head.
Reviewer John Scott of the Los Angeles Times wrote: "'Picture Snatcher' is another of those films which reveal that 'life in the raw is seldom mild, but when has Cagney done a parlor drama on the screen? Both the action and dialogue are snappy, although in different ways. Lloyd Bacon's efficient direction deserves special mention."
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