A corrupt D.A. with governatorial ambitions is annoyed by an investigative reporter's criticism of his criminal activities and decides to frame the reporter for manslaughter in order to silence him.

James Cagney
as Frank Ross

George Raft
as 'Hood' Stacey

Jane Bryan
as Joyce Connover

George Bancroft
as Prison Warden John Armstrong

Maxie Rosenbloom
as Fargo Red

Stanley Ridges
as Mueller

Alan Baxter
as Pole Cat Carlisle

Victor Jory
as W.J. Grayce

John Wray
as Pete Kassock

Edward Pawley
as Dale