White Heat
A blistering, explosive film noir blending savage gangster tropes with psychological tragedy. Cagney's mother-obsessed mobster detonates in a literal and metaphorical mushroom cloud of apocalyptic hubris.
White Heat
White Heat

"Pick up the pieces folks, Jimmy's in action again!"

02 September 1949 United States of America 114 min ⭐ 7.7 (527)
Director: Raoul Walsh
Cast: James Cagney, Virginia Mayo, Edmond O'Brien, Margaret Wycherly, Steve Cochran
Drama Crime Thriller
Psychological Roots of Crime The Obsolescence of the Outlaw Betrayal and Paranoia Classical Tragedy in a Modern Setting
Budget: $1,300,000
Box Office: $3,483,000

White Heat - Movie Quotes

Memorable Quotes

Made it, Ma! Top of the world!

— Cody Jarrett

Context:

Shouted triumphantly as he shoots the gas tank he is standing on, intentionally detonating the chemical plant and killing himself.

Meaning:

The ultimate expression of hubris, madness, and Oedipal fulfillment. It is a terrifying claim of victory even in the face of absolute defeat.

It's like having a red-hot buzz saw inside my head.

— Cody Jarrett

Context:

Spoken to his mother while hiding out in a freezing cabin after the brutal train robbery that opens the film.

Meaning:

Describes the agonizing, psychosomatic migraines that cripple him, serving to momentarily humanize his otherwise terrifying and impenetrable persona.

A copper, a copper, a copper!

— Cody Jarrett

Context:

Shouted in unhinged disbelief during the final heist when he discovers Vic Pardo's true identity as an undercover agent.

Meaning:

The repetitive, manic realization of ultimate betrayal. It shows his psychological break as the one man he trusted besides his mother is revealed to be his enemy.