The Public Enemy Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Two kids who can’t stop shoplifting eventually escalate to full-blown crime because beer is illegal, and also grapefruit.

🍿 The Public Enemy: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Childhood Origins of Crime

The film opens by showcasing Tom Powers and Matt Doyle as young boys engaging in petty theft, foreshadowing their future criminal careers. This sets the stage by illustrating how early exposure to illicit activities can shape a person’s life trajectory. Their initial mentor is a fence named Putty Nose.

Prohibition and Rise in the Gang

As Prohibition takes hold, Tom and Matt seize the opportunity to make serious money by working for mob boss Paddy Ryan. Their ruthlessness and willingness to engage in violence quickly elevate them within the ranks. The film portrays the allure and dangers of the bootlegging business.

The Grapefruit Scene and Moral Decay

One of the most iconic scenes depicts Tom’s volatile nature when he shoves a grapefruit into the face of his girlfriend, Kitty. This moment signifies his growing lack of empathy and descent into brutality. It underscores the dehumanizing effect of the gangster lifestyle.

Gang Warfare and Final Reckoning

The death of a key figure leads to a bloody gang war, and Matt is killed in an ambush. Driven by vengeance, Tom seeks retribution, leading to his own demise. The film concludes with a stark reminder of the consequences of a life of crime.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Tom Powers (James Cagney): A ruthless Irish-American gangster who rises through the ranks during Prohibition but meets a violent end.
• Matt Doyle (Edward Woods): Tom’s loyal but less ambitious best friend and fellow gangster who is eventually killed in a gang war.
• Mike Powers (Donald Cook): Tom’s morally upright brother, a WWI veteran, who disapproves of Tom’s criminal lifestyle.
• Gwen Allen (Jean Harlow): A sophisticated woman who becomes involved with Tom, representing his aspirations for a higher social status.
• Paddy Ryan (Robert Emmett O’Connor): The pragmatic bootlegging boss who employs Tom and Matt, providing them with opportunities in organized crime.
• Nails Nathan (Leslie Fenton): A powerful and influential mob boss who becomes a mentor and a friend to Tom and Matt.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Tom Powers: “I ain’t so tough.” – Said by Tom, wounded and staggering in the rain after a gunfight, revealing a moment of vulnerability.
• Tom Powers: “He’s always been yellow, see? Yellow!” – Tom says this after hitting a bartender who refuses to serve him, showcasing his aggressive and bullying nature.
• Putty Nose: “Remember this, boys, you gotta have friends.” – Putty Nose’s advice to the young Tom and Matt, highlighting the importance of connections in their criminal world.
• Tom Powers: “Somethin’ sour for that sweet puss of yours!” – Said right before he shoves the grapefruit into Kitty’s face.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $151,000
• Domestic Gross: $1,011,520
• Worldwide Gross: $1,214,260

💥 The Public Enemy Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so *The Public Enemy* isn’t exactly subtle, but it’s got that old Hollywood magic. Cagney *IS* Tom Powers. The grapefruit scene is still shocking, but it’s the moments where you see the humanity, or lack thereof, that really stick with you. The ending…whew! The ending is jarring and brutal, I felt that. Highly recommended to anyone even remotely interested in gangster flicks!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic gangster movies”
  • “James Cagney enthusiasts”
  • “Viewers interested in pre-Code Hollywood cinema”
  • “Those studying the history of crime films”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence”
  • “Gang-related crime”
  • “Misogyny”
  • “Suggestive content”
  • “Historical depiction of prejudices”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Cagney delivers a star-making performance as the ruthless Tom Powers. Wellman’s direction is sharp and unflinching, capturing the brutal realities of gang life during Prohibition. A landmark film that set the standard for gangster movies to come.
• The New York Times: “A hard-hitting and realistic portrayal of the gangster lifestyle. Cagney’s raw energy and charisma make Tom Powers a captivating and terrifying figure. Though somewhat dated, the film’s impact remains undeniable.
• RogerEbert.com: “A powerful and influential gangster film that launched Cagney’s career and defined the genre. Wellman’s direction is economical and effective, creating a world of violence and moral decay. The grapefruit scene remains shocking and unforgettable.

Audience Reactions

Cagney’s performance is unforgettable and electrifying.: Viewers consistently praise Cagney’s portrayal of Tom Powers as a defining performance in the gangster genre.

The grapefruit scene is iconic and still shocking today.: The film’s violent scenes, especially the grapefruit scene, are considered groundbreaking and remain impactful for modern audiences.

Overall Consensus: A classic gangster film with a star-making performance by James Cagney, setting the bar for the genre. Though sometimes dated, its impact and influence are undeniable.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Edward Woods was originally cast as Tom Powers, but director William Wellman switched him with James Cagney after seeing Cagney’s dynamic performance during rehearsals.”
• “The infamous grapefruit scene was initially conceived as a practical joke between James Cagney and Mae Clarke, but director William Wellman decided to include it in the final cut.”
• “The film’s opening disclaimer, attempting to morally distance itself from the glorification of gangsters, was added due to increasing public concern about the portrayal of crime in movies.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Public Enemy?

As a classic film, ‘The Public Enemy’ is widely available. You can find it for streaming rental or purchase on platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. Check local listings for potential broadcasts on channels dedicated to classic cinema, such as Turner Classic Movies. Physical copies (DVDs and Blu-rays) are available from major retailers like Amazon and Best Buy.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Public Enemy, you might like these similar films:

• Little Caesar (1931): Shares similar themes of ambition and the ruthless rise of a gangster during the Prohibition era, and was released the year prior starring Edward G. Robinson.
• Scarface (1932): Another classic gangster film from the same era exploring the violent ascent and downfall of a ruthless criminal, inspired by Al Capone.
• The Roaring Twenties (1939): Features James Cagney again in a similar role, exploring the post-World War I era and the rise of organized crime during Prohibition.
• Goodfellas (1990): Presents a more modern and graphic portrayal of the gangster lifestyle, echoing the themes of ambition, violence, and betrayal found in ‘The Public Enemy’.

🛒 The Public Enemy Related Products

• James Cagney: The Definitive Collection (DVD): Features The Public Enemy along with other classic Cagney films, providing a comprehensive look at his career.
• Gangster Classics Blu-ray Box Set: Includes *The Public Enemy*, *Little Caesar*, and *Scarface* on Blu-ray, remastered for optimal viewing experience. Features bonus content.
• Prohibition Era Fedora Hat: A stylish fedora hat reminiscent of those worn by gangsters in the 1920s, made of high-quality materials for an authentic look.
• Customizable 1920s Gangster Character for Video Game Avatar: A downloadable character customization pack for a popular online video game. Includes clothing and accessories inspired by ‘The Public Enemy’.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Public Enemy features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “I’m Forever Blowing Bubbles” – performed by James Kendis, James Brockman, Nat Vincent

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

The True Story Behind The Movie Public Enemies

Ever wondered how much of ‘Public Enemies’ is actually true? This video breaks down the real history versus the movie magic – some of the changes are actually pretty wild!

Why Do We Love Gangsters?

Why are we so fascinated by gangsters? This video dives deep into the psychology behind our love for these cinematic bad boys, and it’s surprisingly insightful. You’ll never watch a gangster movie the same way again!

body language of confidence by Johnny Depp in Public Enemies #johnnydepp #confidence #bodylanguage

Want to know the secret to Johnny Depp’s on-screen charisma in ‘Public Enemies’? This short video breaks down his body language and reveals how he portrays confidence. It’s a fascinating look at the art of acting!

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