Two childhood friends grow up and go their separate ways--one a criminal and the other a parish priest. Rocky Sullivan returns to his old neighborhood to find his lawless life style idolized by the young hoodlums there. Jerry Connelly, the parish priest sees his hard work turn unavailing because of Rocky's corruptive influence.

A rundown diner bakes in the Arizona heat. Inside, fugitive killer Duke Mantee sweats out a manhunt, holding disillusioned writer Alan Squier, young waitress Gabby Maple, and a handful of others hostage.

A World War I veteran (Cagney) returns to New York, innocently becomes involved in bootlegging, builds up an empire and dies in a gang war. Set against a background of newsreel-like montages and narration.

A gangster escapes an attempt on his life by rival mobsters, and hides out in a monastery. He pretends that he is interested in becoming a monk so that the Brothers will let him stay while he plots his revenge.