From Rags To Amadeus Riches: Emperor Joseph II

James Cagney's police constable in Ragtime reminds me of Emperor Joseph II.

The Emperor is a reasonable authority figure but the one time in Amadeus that somebody protests the Emperor's order, the Emperor proclaims "Oblige Me", an 18th century monarch's way of saying "don't f--- with me"

The Constable in Ragtime seems a pretty reasonable guy but when the racist fireman Conklin dares to show reluctance to an order, the Constable definitely has an "oblige me" reaction.

The Emperor seems a nice guy but isn't afraid to tell it like it is, such as how the Emperor mocks Mozart for constantly saying his operas are about love. The Constable in Ragtime isn't afraid to say what we're all thinking and call Conklin "Scum"