The Public Enemy
1931, English. Directed by William A. Wellman.
All his life he took what he wanted...Why not women?
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.
- Runtime
- 1h 24m
- Post-credits
- None listed
- Language
- English
- Rated
- NR
Start now and it ends at ….
Worth the Hype
Clear your evening for this.
7.3/10 from 409 TMDB viewer ratings.
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Where to watch The Public Enemy
The Public Enemy is streaming on YouTube TV and TCM in India.
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TCM
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Fandango At HomeAvailability in India as of 9 November 2026. Streaming data by JustWatch.
Cast & crew
- William A. WellmanDirector
- James CagneyTom Powers
- Jean HarlowGwen Allen
- Edward WoodsMatt Doyle
- Joan BlondellMamie
- Donald CookMike Powers
- Leslie FentonSamuel 'Nails' Nathan
- Beryl MercerMa Powers
- Robert Emmett O'ConnorPaddy Ryan
- Murray KinnellPutty Nose
- Clark BurroughsDutch (uncredited)
- Mae ClarkeKitty (uncredited)
- Frank Coghlan Jr.Tom as a Boy (uncredited)
Details
- Released
- 23 April 1931
- Country
- United States of America
- Written by
- John Bright, Kubec Glasmon
- Budget
- $151K
- Box office
- $557K
Check ratings elsewhere
News & fan talk
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The Public Enemy: quick answers
Is The Public Enemy worth watching?
Our verdict is Worth the Hype: Clear your evening for this. It scores 7.3/10 from 409 TMDB viewer ratings.
How long is The Public Enemy?
The Public Enemy runs 84 minutes (1h 24m).
Does The Public Enemy have a post-credits scene?
None is listed for The Public Enemy. Viewers tag these on TMDB, so a brand-new film may not be tagged yet.
The Public Enemy parents guide: is it suitable for kids?
The Public Enemy is rated NR in India. Check the rating guidance before watching with young children.
Which OTT platform is The Public Enemy on?
The Public Enemy is streaming on YouTube TV and TCM in India. (Checked 9 November 2026.)
What movies are like The Public Enemy?
If you liked The Public Enemy, try Cry of the City, Batman Begins, The Outsiders.
Who directed The Public Enemy?
The Public Enemy (1931) was directed by William A. Wellman and stars James Cagney, Jean Harlow, Edward Woods.