The Public Enemy (1931)

★★★★☆

This Depression era story follows Tom Powers from a young juvenile delinquent to becoming the right-hand man of a powerful Chicago bootlegger. However, after his boss turns on him he finds a new boss and kills his former employer. Soon, Powers becomes one of the most powerful criminals in Chicago even during a violent mob war. This was a fine pre-code film that doesn’t really glorify the gangster but rather has you feel hatred for him. Tom Powers isn’t a good person and Cagney really nails his character. It’s a fine film for anybody who loves crime dramas.