CONTEXT

• The High Sign focuses on a 1920s gang called 'the blinking blizzards',

  This representation of gangs is realistic to the time period as disillusionment felt by ex-soldiers after WWI led to many taking on a corrupt lifestyle as they struggled to re-join conventional society.
• Early 20th century social conventions are portrayed through juxtaposition of exteriors of the poor and the rich.

  The UC nickle nursers home = luxurious mis en scene and butler

  The WC blinking blizzards = scarce mis en scene in hideout in basement of shooting range