Review of The Public Enemy (1931) by Nate W — 13 Jul 2009
Simplistic gangster film, the early conventions of the genre can be seen evolving within the film. Cagney gives a good performance and two images stand out; first is his walk through the rain when he say "not so tough" and then at the end when he is 'wrapped up'.
I was not impressed at all with Jean Harlow and I wonder why we never saw more of Leslie Fenton. He was terrific as Nails. Finally, I wonder if the Tom Powers character was supposed to have some homosexual undertones to him.
He hates women, has gf's that he doesn't consummate the relationship with and when he is sexually conquered is mad and this sparks the chain of events which lead to his and Matt's demise. As Drew Casper would say, what a good paper topic.
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This review of The Public Enemy (1931) was written by Nate W on 13 Jul 2009.
The Public Enemy has generally received very positive reviews.
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