Is The Public Enemy Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, The Public Enemy is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Crime movies.
It features a runtime of 84 minutes and offers a solid storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
The Public Enemy Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1931, The Public Enemy emerges as a significant entry in the Crime, Drama domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Two young Chicago hoodlums, Tom Powers and Matt Doyle, rise up from their poverty-stricken slum life to become petty thieves, bootleggers and cold-blooded killers. Unlike standard genre fare, The Public Enemy attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a refreshing take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Crime is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Public Enemy features a noteworthy lineup led by James Cagney . Supported by the likes of Jean Harlow and Edward Woods , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of The Public Enemy (1931) is overwhelmingly positive. With an audience rating of 7.2/10, it stands as a mandatory watch for any serious cinema lover.
The Public Enemy Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: The Public Enemy is a Crime, Drama film that delves into the criminal underworld with gritty realism and moral complexity. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
The Public Enemy Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: The Public Enemy resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to crime resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the crime themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The Public Enemy reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
The Public Enemy Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
The Public Enemy incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a crime, drama film, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement.
Historical Context
The film balances historical fidelity with cinematic storytelling. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
The production demonstrates respect for its source material, focusing on emotional truth over strict chronology.
Accuracy Assessment: The Public Enemy adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch The Public Enemy?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Crime films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want solid genre entertainment
The Public Enemy Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $151.0K |
| Worldwide Gross | $557.0K |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
The Public Enemy Budget
The estimated production budget for The Public Enemy is $151.0K. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
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Full Cast & Crew of The Public Enemy
- James Cagney – Tom Powers
- Jean Harlow – Gwen Allen
- Edward Woods – Matt Doyle
- Joan Blondell – Mamie
- Donald Cook – Mike Powers
Top Highlights
James CagneyTom Powers
Jean HarlowGwen Allen
Edward WoodsMatt Doyle
Joan BlondellMamie
Donald CookMike Powers
Leslie FentonSamuel 'Nails' Nathan
Beryl MercerMa Powers
Robert Emmett O'ConnorPaddy Ryan
Murray KinnellPutty Nose
Clark BurroughsDutch (uncredited)
Where to Watch The Public Enemy Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At Home🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoApple TVGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeParents Guide & Age Rating
The Public Enemy is rated NR. Parents should be aware that it contains mature themes, violence.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 7.2/10, and global collection metrics, The Public Enemy stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1931 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Public Enemy movie hit or flop?
The Public Enemy is considered a hit based on audience response and box office performance. With a rating of 7.2/10, it's highly recommended for fans of Crime, Drama movies.
Is The Public Enemy worth watching?
Yes, The Public Enemy is definitely worth watching! It's a must-watch hit for fans of Crime, Drama cinema.
Where can I watch The Public Enemy online?
The Public Enemy may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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Critic Reviews for The Public Enemy
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movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
