
The Public Enemy
1931 · Movie · NR · 84 min · ★ 7.2
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.
Also known as Beer and Blood
Where to watch
Not currently available to stream in the US.
1 hour to watch.
Streaming availability and prices may be inaccurate or change — verify with the provider before subscribing.
unSUB's subscription recommendations are informational only, not financial advice.
More value for your money
Similar titles, ranked by watch-hours per subscription dollar.
Details
- Years
- 1931
- Release date
- 1931-04-23
- Language
- English
- Rated
- NR
- Runtime
- 84 min
- TMDB rating
- 7.2/10 (389 votes)
Themes
- gangster
- anti hero
- tragedy
- organized crime
- best friend
- juvenile delinquent
- pre-code
- grapefruit
Awards & recognition
- Academy Award — Best Story · nominated
Cast & crew

James Cagney
as Tom Powers

Jean Harlow
as Gwen Allen

Edward Woods
as Matt Doyle

Joan Blondell
as Mamie

Donald Cook
as Mike Powers

Leslie Fenton
as Samuel 'Nails' Nathan

Beryl Mercer
as Ma Powers

Robert Emmett O'Connor
as Paddy Ryan

Murray Kinnell
as Putty Nose
- CB
Clark Burroughs
as Dutch (uncredited)
Directed by William A. Wellman