Despite this outburst, the studio liked him, and before his three-week contract was up—while the film was still shootingCagney, page 39—they gave Cagney a three-week extension, which was followed by a full seven-year contract at $400 a week. However, the contract allowed Warners to drop him at the end of any 40-week period, effectively guaranteeing him only 40 weeks’ income at a time. As he did when he was growing up, Cagney shared his income with his family. Cagney received good reviews, and immediately played another colorful gangster supporting role in The Doorway to Hell (1930) starring Lew Ayres. The film was a financial hit, and helped to cement Cagney's growing reputation.McGilligan, page 26 He made four more movies before his breakthrough role.
Despite this outburst, the studio liked him and before his three-week contract was up—while the film was still shootingCagney, page 39—they gave Cagney a three-week extension, which was followed by a full seven-year contract at $400 a week. However, the contract allowed Warners to drop him at the end of any 40-week period, effectively guaranteeing him only 40 weeks’ income at a time. As he did when he was growing up, Cagney shared his income with his family. Cagney received good reviews, and immediately played another colorful gangster supporting role in The Doorway to Hell (1930) starring Lew Ayres The film was a financial hit, and helped to cement Cagney's growing reputation.McGilligan, page 26 He made four more movies before his breakthrough role.