This 1949 film noir (because 99% of films from the ’40s were noir) starred James Cagney. White Heat is about as hot as white stuff can get and also includes that legendary movie quote.

And that movie quote is this: “Made it, ma! Top of the world!”

This gangster movie follows Arthur “Cody” Jarret as he does dodgy stuff and, ultimately, gets himself blown up at the end of the film. But what if he’d got his lines wrong?! Let’s find out!

Made it, ma! Top of the world!

Here’s the original in all its glory. At White Heat’s finale, Cody decides to flee pursuing cops by climbing a massive gas storage tank. Not exactly a plan doomed to success there, sonny Jim. Boom.

Made it, mother! Top of the world!

Correct that “ma” so he’s a bit more of a grownup. Mother is much more suitable, especially considering the dire circumstances that this CRIMINAL finds himself it.

Made it, mummy! Top of the world!

A more extreme take here towards immaturity. Given he’s about to be blown to smithereens we guess this would be acceptable, even for a dodgy gangster.

Made it, ma! Top of the underworld!

As in, the GANSTER underworld. And he’s right. Cos he gets blown up to smithereens. Congratulations on all your success, son.

Made it, bourgeois! Top of the world!

A factually accurate statement, props to Cody.

Made it, coleslaw! Top of the world!

There isn’t any real need to be this impressed with yourself after making coleslaw. It’s not that advanced of a dish to cook, Cody. Calm yourself down, you thug.

Made it, jigsaw! Top of the world!

Yes. We can understand why he’d be pleased with himself after such a momentous achievement.

Made it, ma! Cop of the world!

This is a dismal pun from Cody aimed at his copper-heavy (i.e. police officer) situation in which he finds himself. Given his limited time to think of something better, we’ll let him off. But a quick wit this man most definitely is not.

Maid it, ma! Top of the world!

It’s understandable, in a moment of such life or death stress, Cody would make a typo during his final words.

Buffeted it, ma! Cop of the world!

Another food related bit of thinking here. There are no buffets on top of near exploding gas tanks, Cody. You dimwit.

Made it, ma!

This is, arguably, a more concise and impactful statement. The “top of the world” line is not only excessive but erroneous. He is not remotely near the top of the world, saying otherwise is a bold face lie.

Made it!

And this is even better really, isn’t it? Concise and impactful. Excellent copywriting.

OMG I are about to be blown to smithereens!

A modern version of the statement. If White Heat gets a remake then it’ll be some young woke snowflake actor saying the above and weeping like a woke snowflake.

Made it, ma! Top of the mornin’ to ye!

Bit of an Irish-ism here, but why not?

And finally…

Made it, ma! Top of the Pops!

This is surely what Cody was really concerned about. Up there on Top of the Pops blasting out hit singles and being a famous pop star.