One of the most vividly remembered, misogynistic, and vicious scenes in film history is the breakfast scene in this definitive and early gangster film. In cocky gangster Tom Power's (James Cagney) apartment, he walks sleepily to the breakfast table in his striped pajamas. He is in a foul mood, bored, grouchy and irritable after a demanding phone conversation. Tom has grown tired of his relationship with moll girlfriend Kitty (Mae Clarke). At the table, she greets him without a smile. When he asks her for a beer for breakfast, she talks back. Tom: "Ain't you got a drink in the house?" Kitty: "Well, not before breakfast dear." Tom: "I didn't ask you for any lip. I asked you if you had a drink." Kitty: "I know Tom, but I-I wish that..." Tom: "There you go with that wishin' stuff again. I wish you was a wishing well, so that I could tie a bucket to ya and sink ya." Kitty responds provokingly: "Maybe you've found someone you like better." He looks down, makes a nasty grimace, and then impulsively picks up a grapefruit half from his plate and contemptuously pushes it into her face to end their relationship. She looks down, physically and painfully hurt and emotionally embarrassed by his crudeness. It is one of the single-most cruel acts ever depicted in a film. His life of crime has made him cruel and hardened.
Ever feel that Tom is our government and Kitty , us ? I dont know , after this week dont think I can get the sour taste out of my mouth!
