'' Scarface '' ( also known as '' Scarface : The Shame of the Nation '' and '' The Shame of a Nation '' ) is a 1932 American pre-Code gangster film starring Paul Muni as Antonio " Tony " Camonte . It was produced by Howard Hughes & Howard Hawks , directed by Hawks , and Richard Rosson . The story is based on Armitage Trail 's 1929 novel of the same name , which is loosely based on the rise and fall of Al Capone . The film features Ann Dvorak as Camonte 's sister , and also stars Karen Morley , Osgood Perkins , and Boris Karloff . The plot centers on gang warfare and police intervention when rival gangs fight over control of Chicago . A version of the Saint Valentine 's Day Massacre is also depicted
Saint Valentine 's Day Massacre
Saint Valentine's Day Massacre
Scarface (novel)