The Canon / Parallax Editorial Archive
Curated by Pedro Neves, Founder of Parallax
The Public Enemy
Directed by William A. Wellman
1931•1h 24m•NR•★ 7.2
Crime / Drama
Synopsis
An Irish-American hoodlum in Chicago rises from petty street larceny to ruthless Prohibition beer baron, destroying his immigrant family and murdering rivals before being delivered wrapped like a mummy on his mother's doorstep. William A. Wellman's explosive pre-Code gangster classic famous for James Cagney shoving half a grapefruit into Mae Clarke's face.
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The Public Enemy
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William A. Wellman
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Cast & Crew
DirectorWilliam A. Wellman
WriterKubec GlasmonJohn Bright
CinematographyDevereaux Jennings
Principal Cast
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
Technical Specifications
Runtime1h 24m (84 mins)
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Not Yet Collected
Production Details
DirectorWilliam A. Wellman
LanguagesEnglish
CountryUS
StudioWarner Bros. Pictures
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