The Public Enemy

This pre-Code gangster classic stars James Cagney as a young man rising in the ranks of the criminal underworld during prohibition. When the death of a powerful boss ignites a mob war in the streets of Chicago. Cagney defined the gangster film in the early days of Hollywood, and he’s at the top of his game in THE PUBLIC ENEMY.

We picked THE PUBLIC ENEMY to highlight the 18th Amendment to the Constitution, which prohibited the "manufacture, sale, or transportation of intoxicating liquors." As well as the 21st Amendment to the Constitution, which repealed the 18th Amendment and grants the States complete control over whether to permit importation or sale of liquor and how to structure the liquor distribution system.

Director William A. Wellman

Cast James Cagney, Jean Harlow

Country USA

Language English

Aspect 1.37

More info on IMDB ››