- My Forums
- Tiger Rant
- LSU Recruiting
- SEC Rant
- Saints Talk
- Pelicans Talk
- More Sports Board
- Coaching Changes
- Fantasy Sports
- Golf Board
- Soccer Board
- O-T Lounge
- Tech Board
- Home/Garden Board
- Outdoor Board
- Health/Fitness Board
- Movie/TV Board
- Book Board
- Music Board
- Political Talk
- Money Talk
- Fark Board
- Gaming Board
- Travel Board
- Food/Drink Board
- Ticket Exchange
- TD Help Board
Customize My Forums- View All Forums
- Show Left Links
- Topic Sort Options
- Trending Topics
- Recent Topics
- Active Topics
Started By
Message
The public enemy (1931) is terrible
Posted on 7/29/25 at 2:14 pm
Posted on 7/29/25 at 2:14 pm
Maybe one of the lamest movies I have ever had the displeasure of watching.
THIS is what supposedly influenced future gangster movies?
Why? Because everyone saw how easy it would be to do it better?
There isnt a single good moment in the entire film except for the end.
Oh, ho isnt it cool to be a wanabe mobster? You might have a single car to share with your pal while you live in a motel!
Aint life grand?
Oh boy i wonder if cagneys gonna soft punch somebody on the cheek in this scene!?
Hey they only actual gangster in the movie died. We just killed him off so we can finish this dumpster fire up in the next 20 minutes.
Thanks for watching, folks!
THIS is what supposedly influenced future gangster movies?
Why? Because everyone saw how easy it would be to do it better?
There isnt a single good moment in the entire film except for the end.
Oh, ho isnt it cool to be a wanabe mobster? You might have a single car to share with your pal while you live in a motel!
Aint life grand?
Oh boy i wonder if cagneys gonna soft punch somebody on the cheek in this scene!?
Hey they only actual gangster in the movie died. We just killed him off so we can finish this dumpster fire up in the next 20 minutes.
Thanks for watching, folks!
4
Posted on 7/29/25 at 2:27 pm to Gusoline
Well, in truth, so many of the older movies from the 30's and 40's are kind of lame by today's standards. So many of the actors overacted in their parts that it was almost comedic with their stilted, stiff dialogue and strange facial and body expressions.
You've got to remember that era was not too far removed from the silent film era where much of the above was used to express feelings and emotions since there was no dialogue, so it was a learning curve. That is especially true for the 30's movies where many of the silent film stars were starting to make "talkies".
You've got to remember that era was not too far removed from the silent film era where much of the above was used to express feelings and emotions since there was no dialogue, so it was a learning curve. That is especially true for the 30's movies where many of the silent film stars were starting to make "talkies".
Posted on 7/29/25 at 2:30 pm to Gusoline
Obviously, the movie is not to your liking, but you are in the minority. Stars like Cagney, Jean Harlow and Joan Blondell make this a classic. Here is what Grok had to say:
Critics widely praised The Public Enemy for its gritty realism, intense performances, and unflinching portrayal of crime and violence. Key points include:James Cagney's Performance: Cagney’s electrifying portrayal of Tom Powers was lauded as a standout, with his charismatic yet brutal depiction of a gangster becoming iconic. Critics noted his ability to blend charm with menace, setting a template for future antiheroes. For example, contemporary reviews highlighted Cagney’s “dynamic energy” and “naturalistic acting” as elevating the film beyond typical crime dramas.
Realism and Social Commentary: The film was appreciated for its raw depiction of urban crime and the rise of organized crime during Prohibition. Critics commended its attempt to show the societal conditions—poverty, lack of opportunity—that fueled criminal behavior, though some debated whether it glorified gangsters.
Controversy Over Violence: The film’s violent scenes, such as the infamous grapefruit scene, shocked audiences and critics alike. While some praised its boldness, others, including early censorship boards, criticized it for potentially glamorizing crime. Publications like Variety noted its “stark realism” but warned it might “shock sensitive audiences.”
Technical Aspects: Wellman’s direction, the tight pacing, and the film’s gritty cinematography were frequently highlighted. Critics appreciated the film’s balance of action and character development, with The New York Times calling it “a vivid and technically brilliant melodrama.”
The iconic scene from the movie:
Critics widely praised The Public Enemy for its gritty realism, intense performances, and unflinching portrayal of crime and violence. Key points include:James Cagney's Performance: Cagney’s electrifying portrayal of Tom Powers was lauded as a standout, with his charismatic yet brutal depiction of a gangster becoming iconic. Critics noted his ability to blend charm with menace, setting a template for future antiheroes. For example, contemporary reviews highlighted Cagney’s “dynamic energy” and “naturalistic acting” as elevating the film beyond typical crime dramas.
Realism and Social Commentary: The film was appreciated for its raw depiction of urban crime and the rise of organized crime during Prohibition. Critics commended its attempt to show the societal conditions—poverty, lack of opportunity—that fueled criminal behavior, though some debated whether it glorified gangsters.
Controversy Over Violence: The film’s violent scenes, such as the infamous grapefruit scene, shocked audiences and critics alike. While some praised its boldness, others, including early censorship boards, criticized it for potentially glamorizing crime. Publications like Variety noted its “stark realism” but warned it might “shock sensitive audiences.”
Technical Aspects: Wellman’s direction, the tight pacing, and the film’s gritty cinematography were frequently highlighted. Critics appreciated the film’s balance of action and character development, with The New York Times calling it “a vivid and technically brilliant melodrama.”
The iconic scene from the movie:
Posted on 7/29/25 at 2:57 pm to Gusoline
Yeah that's a downvote from me. It's a good movie and better than most of the slop that comes out these days.
Posted on 7/29/25 at 4:01 pm to Gusoline
quote:
Oh, ho isnt it cool to be a wanabe mobster? You might have a single car to share with your pal while you live in a motel!
Aint life grand?
Oh boy i wonder if cagneys gonna soft punch somebody on the cheek in this scene!?
I understand you found these things lame, but nothing you've written here sounds like a criticism, or even lame, really.
quote:
Hey they only actual gangster in the movie died.
Which era of gangster films doesn't commonly feature the death of the gangsters?
Page 1 of 1
Popular
Back to top
Follow TigerDroppings for LSU Football News