During the early 1930's, a burgeoning Hollywood film industry defined one of the most iconic genres of all time. With the release of three films, "Little Caesar" (1931), "The Public Enemy" (1931), and "Scarface" (1932), Hollywood established the style and audience expectations associated with gangster films that remain in force to the present day. "The Gangster Film Reader" brings together a group of essays, many of which were written specifically for this volume, which present an exhaustive overview of this seminal film genre. This is a thorough and informative volume that is a must-have for any self-respecting film fan.