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MTDb โ€บ Best of โ€บ 1949 โ€บ White Heat

White Heat poster

White Heat (1949)

โ€œPick up the pieces folks, Jimmy's in action again!โ€

7.7/10 ยท 561 votes 1h 54m nr ThrillerDramaCrime

#2 of 4 films from 1949 #131 of 2475 in thriller

Directed by Raoul Walsh ยท Written by Ivan Goff, Ben Roberts, Virginia Kellogg

โ–ถ Trailer, images & where to stream

Overview

A psychopathic criminal with a mother complex makes a daring break from prison and then leads his old gang in a chemical plant payroll heist. After the heist, events take a crazy turn.

Cast

James Cagneyas Arthur 'Cody' Jarrett
Virginia Mayoas Verna Jarrett
Edmond O'Brienas Vic Pardo
Margaret Wycherlyas Ma Jarrett
Steve Cochranas 'Big Ed' Somers
John Archeras Philip Evans
Wally Cassellas 'Cotton' Valletti
Fred Clarkas Daniel Winston
Paul Guilfoyleas Roy Parker (uncredited)
Ford Raineyas Zuckie
Robert Foulkas Payroll Guard at Chemical Plant
Ian MacDonaldas Creel
Robert Osterlohas Ryley
Joel Allenas Operative (uncredited)

Facts

Release dateSeptember 2, 1949
Runtime114 min (1h 54m) โ€” longer as the 1949 average of 98 min
GenresThriller, Drama, Crime
LanguageEN
Budget$1,300,000
Box office$3,483,000 (2.7ร— budget)
IMDbtt0042041

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Dial M for MurderDial M for Murder1954 ยท โ˜… 8.0 ยท 1h 45m The Night of the HunterThe Night of the Hunter1955 ยท โ˜… 7.9 ยท 1h 33m RopeRope1948 ยท โ˜… 7.9 ยท 1h 21m RififiRififi1955 ยท โ˜… 7.8 ยท 1h 58m NotoriousNotorious1946 ยท โ˜… 7.7 ยท 1h 43m Strangers on a TrainStrangers on a Train1951 ยท โ˜… 7.7 ยท 1h 41m The Big SleepThe Big Sleep1946 ยท โ˜… 7.6 ยท 1h 54m In a Lonely PlaceIn a Lonely Place1950 ยท โ˜… 7.6 ยท 1h 33m

Questions

How long is White Heat?
White Heat runs 114 minutes (1h 54m).
Is White Heat worth watching?
TMDB users give it 7.7/10 across 561 votes, which places it #2 of 4 films released in 1949 in this index (top 75%) and #131 among 2475 thriller titles.
Who directed White Heat?
White Heat was directed by Raoul Walsh.
Who stars in White Heat?
James Cagney as Arthur 'Cody' Jarrett; Virginia Mayo as Verna Jarrett; Edmond O'Brien as Vic Pardo; Margaret Wycherly as Ma Jarrett; Steve Cochran as 'Big Ed' Somers; John Archer as Philip Evans.
What is White Heat rated?
It carries a nr certification in its home market. Ratings differ by country.
Where can I watch the trailer for White Heat?
Open the title in the MTDb app for trailers, images and streaming links: https://mv.peoplentools.com/titles/31783.

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Best of 1949Best thrillerThriller of the 1940sBest dramaDrama of the 1940sBest crimeCrime of the 1940sAll lists
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Film data and images from TMDB. This product uses the TMDB API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDB. Ratings are TMDB user scores as of 2026-10-05.