James Cagney is an actor of contradictions. He made a Hollywood career out of playing murderous thugs, but what he really excelled at was singing and dancing.

Cagney brought explosive energy to the sets of his films—and sometimes, it blew up right in his face. He tangled with directors and co-stars, but it all culminated when he met Horst Buchholz.

Cagney was infuriated by the German actor’s antics—and Buchholz went too far, Cagney’s reaction was utterly disturbing. He quit acting altogether, and stayed off screens for nearly 20 years.

It’s just one chapter in Cagney’s rags-to-riches story—which is equal parts turbulent and bizarre.