The 7 Wonders of the Pre-Code World: 7
The back of James Cagney’s head.
I could, of course, have gone for the front of James Cagney’s head, which in this same film, PICTURE SNATCHER JIMMY THE GENT, is an awesomely cro-magnon affair, thrust and swung about like an extra appendage, in what may be the most jabbing performance ever. But, as Jean-Pierre Melville said of Chaplin, there are some things you don’t put on lists. Only the back of Cagney’s head can be listed, the rest of him is TOO GOOD.
shadowplay 
May 30, 2009 at 7:07 pm
Ah! Those were the days!
Nowadays, a star will ask the CGI experts to photoshop away scars and wrinkles
May 30, 2009 at 8:34 pm
I suppose he got those from back sassin’ his Irish Mudder!
May 30, 2009 at 8:38 pm
The scars are prominently featured as Jimmy’s introductory shot — I suspect they’re character scars rather than actor scars, but who knows?
August 12, 2009 at 10:54 pm
Although this is a long-dead thread, there is one thing that should be noted in case anyone stumbles here – this shot is from Jimmy The Gent and not Picture Snatcher.
August 13, 2009 at 12:33 am
There are no dead threads! And you’re absolutely right. I viewed both films close together and must have somehow got them blurred. Deplorable. You can now claim a prize!