The Public Enemy (1931)

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Taste of Cinema's Essential Pre-Code Hollywood (30 movies items)

"James Cagney’s breakthrough performance, in William Wellman’s classic The Public Enemy, would define the actor’s tough-guy screen persona. He plays Tom Powers, a smooth-tongued criminal who makes big money as a bootlegger during Prohibition, but ultimately ends up involved in a gangster war that threatens his life. Although it’s clear that Powers was born to a decent family and had a proper upbringing, he inevitably takes the ‘wrong way’ in life. On this wise, the film scores high b"

Favorite Movies of All Time (2020 Edition) (1001 movies items)

" 2019: 630 2018: 622 2017: 615 2016: 605 2015: 589 2014: 581 2013: 576 2012: 568 2011: 555 2010: 546 2009: 543 "

Favorite Movies of All Time (2019 Edition) (1001 movies items)

" 2018: 622 2017: 615 2016: 605 2015: 589 2014: 581 2013: 576 2012: 568 2011: 555 2010: 546 2009: 543 "

Favorite Movies of All Time (2018 Edition) (1001 movies items)

" 2017: 615 2016: 605 2015: 589 2014: 581 2013: 576 2012: 568 2011: 555 2010: 546 2009: 543 "

Tough enemy

“There was no real doubt that 'The Public Enemy' would be great. There were many great gangster films at the time that far from played it safe and were actually remarkably bold. William A Wellman was always great at taking difficult and quite heavy stories and giving them a sensitive yet packing a big punch while not pulling back in any way. Have for a while really liked James Cagney and it was interesting to see him in the film that shed the image that he had before taking on tougher roles.Luckily, 'The Public Enemy' did not disappoint. Wellman did a lot of fine films in the 30s and 'The Public Enemy' is absolutely one of them, one of the best. It is a great representation of Cagney, who shows perfectly why these sort of roles suited him so well, and of gangster films at the time. Showing ” read more

Meus DVDs (3001 movies items)

"The Public Enemy (William A. Wellman, 1931) "

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"2015: 589 2014: 581 2013: 576 2012: 568 2011: 555 2010: 546 2009: 543 "

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" Tom Powers: Why that dirty, no good, yellow-bellied stool. I'm gonna give it to him right in the head the first time I see him."

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" Notes: I haven't seen this one yet..."

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" James Cagney "