The Roaring Twenties is a 1939 crime drama film directed by Raoul Walsh and starring James Cagney, Priscilla Lane, and Humphrey Bogart. It is set in the United States during the Prohibition era, which lasted from 1920 to 1933.
The film follows Eddie Bartlett (Cagney), a former soldier who returns to New York City after the war and struggles to find work. He eventually becomes a cab driver and gets involved in the bootlegging trade, delivering illegal liquor to various speakeasies around the city.
Eddie's lawyer, Lloyd Hart (Jeffrey Lynn), discovers his involvement in bootlegging but agrees to represent him and helps him expand his business. Eddie's partner is George Hally (Bogart), a ruthless gangster who becomes jealous of Eddie's success and eventually turns on him.
Amidst all of this, Eddie falls in love with Jean Sherman (Lane), a singer at one of the speakeasies he delivers to. However, their relationship is complicated by the fact that George also has feelings for Jean.
As the story unfolds, the characters become embroiled in various conflicts and power struggles within the criminal underworld. The film explores themes of greed, corruption, and betrayal, and is generally regarded as one of Cagney's best performances. It is also notable for its portrayal of the excesses and decadence of the Roaring Twenties, which came to an end with the onset of the Great Depression in 1929.