The Public Enemy (1931)

Classic gangster tale with James Cagney at his best. While the story—boy with stern father grows up in the city, turns to crime early and stays with it—may seem familiar, the execution is exceptional. Cagney is electric as Tom Powers, and the film is filled with indelible scenes and images—including the famous shot of Cagney planting a grapefruit in Mae Clark’s face.

***¼ (out of *****)

©2018 David R. George III

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1931 • 1 HOUR, 23 MINUTES
WARNER BROS. • VITAPHONE

STARRING
• JAMES CAGNEY, JEAN HARLOW, EDWARD WOODS, JOAN BLONDELL

ALSO STARRING
• DONALD COOK, LESLIE FENTON, BERYL MERCER, ROBERT O’CONNOR, MURRAY KINNELL

WRITTEN BY
• HARVEY F. THEW (SCREEN ADAPTATION)
• KUBEC GLASMON AND JOHN BRIGHT (STORY)

DIRECTED BY
• WILLIAM A. WELLMAN

1931 ACADEMY AWARD NOMINATIONS (1)
• BEST ORIGINAL STORY (LOST TO THE DAWN PATROL)