The Public Enemy (1931) Watch Online Free
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. But with street notoriety and newfound wealth, the duo feels the heat from the cops and rival gangsters both. Despite his ruthless criminal reputation, Tom tries to remain connected to his family, however, gang warfare and the need for revenge eventually pull him away.
The Public Enemy (1931), directed by William A. Wellman, is a landmark film in the gangster genre, marking a turning point in Hollywood’s portrayal of crime and morality. Set during the Prohibition era, it follows the rise and fall of Tom Powers, a ruthless young man who becomes embroiled in the criminal underworld. The film opens with a glimpse of Tom’s early life in Chicago, where he and his friend Matt Doyle are drawn into petty crime. Their involvement escalates when they work for a gangster named “Putty Nose” and eventually rise through the ranks of organized crime. Tom’s violent and amoral nature leads him to power, wealth, and notoriety, but it also brings inevitable tragedy, especially as he alienates those who care about him, including his brother Mike, a World War I veteran who disapproves of Tom’s criminal lifestyle.
Tom’s rise in the criminal world is fueled by his brutal approach to violence and his indifference to human life. He becomes entangled in bootlegging operations and violent gang wars. The film culminates in Tom’s downfall, where his violent actions and disregard for relationships lead to his demise, encapsulating the tragic consequences of a life led by crime.
The film explores several themes that were groundbreaking for its time, particularly its portrayal of the anti-hero and the destructive nature of crime. One of the key themes is the moral decay that accompanies a life of crime. Tom Powers, played by James Cagney, is a character who rises to power through sheer violence and ruthlessness. His character represents the growing disillusionment with American society in the 1920s, a time marked by economic inequality and moral ambiguity.
Another central theme is the conflict between family loyalty and the corrupting influence of the gangster world. Tom’s relationship with his brother Mike highlights the moral divide between the two, with Mike serving as the voice of reason and representing the traditional values of hard work and honesty. However, Tom’s rejection of these values in favor of a life of crime leads to his inevitable downfall.
The film also critiques the American Dream, portraying it as a corrupt and hollow pursuit when achieved through illegal means. Tom’s rise to power is built on the exploitation and destruction of others, and his wealth and status are ultimately shown to be empty.
The Public Enemy had a significant impact on Hollywood and the gangster genre. It was one of the first films to depict the brutal realities of organized crime without glorifying it. The film’s portrayal of violence was shocking for its time, especially given that it was released before the enforcement of the Hays Code, which regulated the portrayal of crime and morality in films. The film’s raw depiction of gangster life, combined with Cagney’s charismatic performance, made it a groundbreaking work that influenced later films in the genre, such as Scarface (1932) and Little Caesar (1931).
The film also helped to establish James Cagney as one of Hollywood’s most iconic actors. His portrayal of Tom Powers was both charismatic and chilling, blending vulnerability with aggression in a way that made him a standout in the gangster genre. Cagney’s performance became a template for many future gangster characters, and his iconic “grapefruit scene” (in which he smashes a grapefruit into his girlfriend’s face) became one of the most memorable moments in cinematic history.
After watching The Public Enemy, you’ll likely feel a mix of fascination and unease. The film’s unrelenting portrayal of crime and its consequences can be unsettling, particularly given its realistic depiction of violence and moral corruption. You might also feel a sense of awe at the power of Cagney’s performance, which is both magnetic and chilling. The film’s tragic ending will leave you reflecting on the destructive nature of unchecked ambition and the emptiness of the American Dream when pursued through immoral means. It’s a film that lingers long after the credits roll, prompting questions about morality, family, and the cost of success.
In conclusion, The Public Enemy is a foundational film that not only helped define the gangster genre but also offered a critical look at the societal forces that shape criminal behavior. Its themes of violence, family, and moral decay are still relevant today, making it a must-watch for any cinephile or fan of classic cinema