this a a pretty decent flick. not as engaging or profound as many of the early gangster films were, but cagney was great as always and the movie had its bright spot. worth the watch.
Beryl Mercer, Donald Cook, Edward Woods
A young hoodlum rises up through the ranks of the Chicago underworld, even as a gangster's accidental death threatens to spark a bloody mob war.
DVD Release Date: September 11, 2001
Stats: 364 reviews
Your Rating
Flixster Reviews (364)
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March 28, 2008
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January 16, 2008
Watch Jimmy Cagney and Jean Harlow do something amazing with a grapefruit.
*snicker* -
January 3, 2008
cagney embarks on a life of crime and his presence cannot be denied. his breakout performance here burns right through the screen. harlow still needs some work to reach her own iconic status. the film is a bit dated but after 75 years still amazing to watch
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December 12, 2007
the founded stone for james cagney's overnight success of his classic gangster status. this flick is adapted from a moralistic social stiric novel called "beer and blood" which is applied in the lines during the flick as well. one of the first movies tackles the mob tumult under ...( read more)
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July 27, 2007
One of the classic old school gangster films, it's a little simplistic in it's characterizastion, but Cagney breathes life into the character with his usual intensity, and it features one of the most famous scenes in cinema history.
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November 16, 2009
About as old school as you can get, & feels it. Still, it's fast, tight & some (VERY pre-Hays) scenes are quite shocking.
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August 27, 2009
Just put 2.5 stars because of the end, if not, it would be just 2. Only for James Cagney fans. It doesn´t say you anything different of other classic gangsters films.
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August 2, 2009
This is the film that made James Cagney a star and also is the film with classic scene of him pushing a grapefruit in Mae Clarke's face. Cagney is outstanding. A powerful and great classic. The pace is excellent.
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July 13, 2009
it was ok to many ? not answered didnt he die already in the forest and how come no one reconized him in the police headquarters
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This board looks lonely. Be the first to talk about "The Public Enemy" !
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