Scarface (1932 film)

*Scarface* is a landmark 1932 American gangster action film.

Produced by Howard Hughes and directed by Howard Hawks, it explores the violent rise of a criminal leader. The film is considered one of the most significant works in the gangster genre. It was even added to the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress in 1994. This recognition marks the film as a culturally important piece of American history. It tells a story of extreme ambition and the consequences of living a life of crime.

The plot follows Antonio "Tony" Camonte, an Italian immigrant in 1920s Chicago.

Tony begins his journey as a low-level bodyguard for a crime lord named "Big" Louis Costillo. Through violence and strategic moves, Tony eventually kills his boss to take control. He then works under a new leader, Johnny Lovo, to manage a bootlegging operation. This operation involves the illegal sale of beer during the era of Prohibition. Tony's ambition drives him to ignore orders and expand his influence into the North Side. This expansion leads to constant conflict with rival gangs and the police.

The film features several distinct character dynamics and thematic elements. Tony is driven by a desire for wealth and status, often flaunting his riches. He pursues a woman named Poppy, whose attention grows as his power increases.

A central part of his character is his obsessive protectiveness over his sister, Cesca. This protective nature often turns into rage, especially when he perceives threats to her. The story also highlights the tension between the criminal underworld and the authorities. A group of prominent citizens and the police chief eventually vow to stop Tony's destruction.

The production of *Scarface* was a complex process involving many creators.

Business tycoon Howard Hughes purchased the rights to the novel by Armitage Trail. He hired Ben Hecht to write the screenplay, which Hecht completed in just 11 days in January 1931. The production also involved Fred Pasley, who provided additional writing based on Capone biographies. Other writers, including John Lee Mahin and Seton I. Miller, worked on the script for continuity. Even the director, Howard Hawks, had a complicated history with Hughes. The two had previously been involved in a lawsuit regarding the film *The Dawn Patrol*.

Many elements of the film are closely linked to the real-life gangster Al Capone.

The character of Tony Camonte is a loose adaptation of Capone. For instance, Tony possesses a facial scar similar to the one Capone received. The film also depicts a scene mirroring the Saint Valentine's Day Massacre, a real event in Chicago. The characters' names were changed to maintain a level of anonymity. For example, Capone's associates were renamed Costillo and O'Hara. These subtle ties allowed audiences to recognize the historical inspirations behind the fiction.

Because the film depicted intense violence, it faced heavy scrutiny from censors.

The Hays Office, a precursor to stricter film regulations, believed the movie glorified crime. To gain approval, the producers had to make significant alterations. These included adding a prologue that condemned gangsters and creating an alternate ending. These changes were intended to show that criminal behavior was reprehensible. Some versions of the film were even banned in various cities and states. For many years, the original, unaltered version was difficult to find.

Today, *Scarface* remains a vital study of film history and censorship. The 1983 film of the same name was a remake of this original story. In 2008, the American Film Institute ranked *Scarface* as the sixth-best gangster film. Modern viewers can often see the original ending through special DVD releases. The film serves as a bridge between the early era of filmmaking and the strict Production Code of 1934. It continues to be studied for its influence on how crime is portrayed on screen.