Hard guys

Tom Powers, a small-time hoodlum, rises through the ranks of organized crime during Prohibition. Driven by ambition and a ruthless streak, he becomes a feared gangster, leading a violent gang. His life is a cycle of crime, betrayal, and escalating violence, ultimately leading to a tragic and iconic end.

The Public Enemy is widely regarded as a seminal gangster film and a landmark of pre-Code cinema. Its raw portrayal of violence and Cagney's electrifying performance were groundbreaking, establishing many conventions of the genre. It was a significant commercial success and cemented James Cagney as a major star.

• Praised for its visceral depiction of the gangster lifestyle and James Cagney's iconic performance.

• Considered a masterclass in early sound film and a crucial influence on the gangster genre.

• Noted for its shocking violence and intense pacing, which were groundbreaking for the era.

Google audience: Audiences praise the film's gritty realism, James Cagney's magnetic and terrifying portrayal of a criminal anti-hero, and its unflinching look at the consequences of a life of crime. Many find its impact and style to be timeless, despite its age.

None notable (filmed before the major award ceremonies were fully established for film).

The infamous scene where James Cagney shoves a grapefruit into Mae Clarke's face was not originally in the script; it was a spontaneous act by Cagney during filming, inspired by a real-life incident involving a gangster and a grapefruit.