Cinema 100 - "The Public Enemy" Starring: James Cagney

1931 Episode 4 - Directed By: William A. Wellman / April 23rd, 1931. Tonight, we go back to where it all started. We're talking about one of the original gangster films that redefined the genre—The Public Enemy. Released in 1931, right in the heart of Prohibition, this movie didn't just show crime—it gave crime a face. And that face? James Cagney. He’s raw, he’s ruthless, and he’s unforgettable as Tom Powers, a small-time crook who rises to the top while spiraling straight down. This film doesn't sugarcoat anything. It’s gritty, it's dangerous, and it’s real. Buckle up—because The Public Enemy is about to take you on one wild, unforgiving ride. Are you ready? Let’s go."