The Mayor of Hell (1933): Cast & Plot

Racketeer Patsy Gargan, James Cagney, is named deputy commissioner of a reform school as a reward from his corrupt political cronies. At first he has little interest in the institution, but his sympathy grows as he witnesses the abuse of the boys by a brutal warden and his thuggish guards, and his attention is sharpened by a compassionate nurse named Dorothy, Madge Evans.

Under Dorothy’s care, Gargan experiments with self-government at the school, and the system begins to work, giving the boys a sense of responsibility and a calmer, hopeful atmosphere. The reform-minded changes demonstrate that humane treatment and structured fairness can replace fear and brutality, slowly earning trust from the students and a renewed sense of purpose in the staff.