The Mayor of Hell (1933)

Patsy Gargan (James Cagney) is a cog in the wheel of corrupt politics and so is awarded a cushy job as deputy commissioner of a local reform school for criminally inclined boys. He is initially apathetic toward his young charges, who are regularly beaten by the staff. But as he comes to know the boys and the hardships they've already faced, he warms to them. Inspired, he seeks to reform the school, putting in place new measures recommended by the goodhearted resident nurse (Madge Evans).