Customer Ratings & Reviews

"The Public Enemy" is one of the starting points of the great season of gangster movies, a very interesting work. It is not the story of the rise and fall of some big boss of crime. Tom Powers (James Cagney) and Matt Doyle (Edward Woods) are just small time crooks, and so they remain throughout the movie. Only, they make the big money that the circumstances of prohibition offer to any criminal. Tom is just a semi-illiterate, naturally violent thug. He is not even professional. He kills just out of stupidity or desire of a pointless revenge, that ultimately will severely damage himself. Further evidence of his cheap personality is shown when he instantly falls for the vulgar, tasteless girl Gwen (Jean Harlow). By the way, Harlow looks remarkably unattractive (to our modern eyes, at least). Was it a choice of director Wellmann? Matt is slightly better than Tom, but clearly he has not the guts to cross his mate. In my opinion a major credit of the film is that it systematically avoids cliché. Neither Tom nor Matt are outcomes of poverty and social injustice. They come from simple but honest, decent and loving families. But they are both bad (that's the word) and they use the freedom and opportunities of their democratic country to make evil. In "The Public Enemy" we find probably the first instances of the beautiful stylish cinematography and clever camera-work that will become the trade-mark of later gangster and noir movies. Some scenes are unforgettable, like the final one, or that under the rain, or that of Cagney abusing the girl. The brief scene of the killing of the horse is pure cinematic genius. In the film there are also some naiveness and clumsiness, though. The way Tom undergoes the personality of his good brother is far-fetched. It is not clear why a gangster in a hospital, wounded in a gun-fight, is not under strict police control. The behavior of Tom's boss in the ending is illogical. Moreover, the part where Tom and Matt are kids is too long (we audience are all eager to see Cagney!), and action is a bit scarce for a gangster movie. "The Public Enemy" was Cagney's breakout film, and really he makes a powerful and accurate job. Actually, a strong acting is provided by the whole cast. The director William A. Wellmann handles the movie with sound talent. "The Public Enemy" is a beautiful and historically important movie. I recommend it to any cinema-lover

Great old movie. Cagney as usual is an amazing actor. its a trip watching this movie and knowing way back then they didnt use guns with blanks they used real ones! there is a scean where Cagney is in the middle of a shoot out with a cop and in real life the cop actor was really a police sharp shooter and the guy was off a bit and hit a piece of the window frame and the piece actually hit Cagney near the eye and they kept that in the film. great flick! I also recommend "White Heat" and " Angels with dirty faces" those two are insanely good. Enjoy!

James Cagney plays an Irish street tough who strives to enter the world of organized crime. .There is a scene where Cagney shoves a grapefruit into mae clarkes face which at the time was unheard of.

I buy a lot of movies and I only buy blu-ray. Most modern movies the transfer to blu-ray is decent. In this case the transfer of this very old classic was very good. This $5 movie is well worth the purchase just to have it in your collection.

Nice High Def version of the James Cagney classic. Bonus content with documentary and cartoon shorts and trailers make this a cool tip to the prohibition era gangsters and the times. Recommended.

This is a must have! Classic! Def recommend! Sometimes an oldie is better than what is produced today

Cagney at his best. Do not miss a chance to see this film classic. Look for an iconic scene between Caney and his leading lady.

Movie is a classic. It has it's problems picture wise. But for the most part it IS worth owning on blu ray! Extras are great!

Worth the wait. I wonder how many movies Cagney made.

If you love Goodfellas and The Godfather, watch this. This is where the gangster film started!

One of the all time greats!!! Excellent looking Blu Ray!!!

Cagney's breakthrough role still packs a punch and shock

One of the first and best gangster movies...Awesome!!!

Cagney is a one of a kind actor. Public Enemy does not disappoint.

Haven't watched this movie, yet. Bought it because it is a good classic movie that I have seen on TCM and I wanted it for my library. Excellent price @ BB.

One of the first Gangster movies, and with James Cagney, nonetheless...a must watch

Classic gangster film from the 1930s, starring James Cagney.