In what film does Edward G. Robinson ask, "Is this the end of Rico?"

The famous American actor, Edward G. Robinson ("Double Indemnity," "Kid Galahad," "The Last Gangster") introduced the world to a new kind of gangster in his powerful portrayal of Johnny Rico in the film "Little Caesar" (1931). Robinson is a small-time hood who brutally shoots his way to the top of the underworld. This film was appropriately nominated for an Oscar as Best Adapted Screenplay.

At the start of “Little Caesar,” it begins with a quotation from the Book of Matthew printed on faux parchment: “ . . . for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.” These are telling words. Rico the anti-hero rises from small-time criminal to singular big status criminal in the big city and is then pursued and killed.

This is, more or less, the entire focus and story of the picture. The brutal man (Rico) who believes himself invulnerable ends up dead and in the gutter. And that is the moment when Edward G. Robinson, as Enrico Bandello as he is dying, breathes the immortal line: “Mother of Mercy! Is this the end of Rico?”

Yes, Rico's last gasp says it all!