In White Heat, the psychopathic criminal, Arthur "Cody" Jarrett, is played by James Cagney in a career-defining performance. Cody suffers from severe headaches and has a close relationship with his mother, who he speaks to on the phone regularly to calm his nerves. He is also fiercely protective of her and will do anything to protect her.
After Cody's daring escape from prison, he reunites with his old gang and hatches a plan to rob a chemical plant payroll. The heist goes smoothly, but things take a crazy turn when one of Cody's men betrays him and his mother is taken hostage by the police.
Cody becomes increasingly unhinged as he tries to evade the police and rescue his mother. He eventually takes refuge in a chemical plant, where the final showdown takes place. In a spectacular finale, Cody meets his demise in a fiery explosion.
White Heat is a classic crime drama that explores the dark and twisted mind of a psychopath. Cagney's performance is unforgettable, and the film is widely regarded as one of the best gangster movies of all time.