MovieChat Forums > The Public Enemy (1931) Discussion > Greatest 'Ganster Movie' of all time?

Greatest 'Ganster Movie' of all time?

posted 11 years ago by SammySoprano
5 replies | jump to latest

Does anybody else agree that is the greatest "gangster movie" of all time?

I am a big fan of this genre and most people would tend to say Goodfellas or The Godfather should have this title, however, as much as I love both of those films, I think The Public Enemy is often over looked, I wish more people would have seen it.

I also love the authenticity, helped by the fact that it was made only a few years after the events of which the film depicts actually took place.

Anthony 'Tony' Soprano Sr.: There's an old Italian saying: you *beep* up once, you lose two teeth.

[–] 11 years ago

[deleted]

[–] SammySoprano 11 years ago

Oh really? you should definitely give this a watch.

The Sopranos is the greatest television show in history - in my opinion.

Anthony 'Tony' Soprano Sr.: There's an old Italian saying: you *beep* up once, you lose two teeth.

[–] footreads 11 years ago

I agree you have to see the movie a couple of times to appreciate it.

Love the way he refers to his best friend in the movies.

Like the way he killed putty nose.

Love the way they felt that they had to get even with horse that killed their friend.

Loved when they picked up Harlow. Plus the final way he checked out harlow's butt after she left his car.

My favorite gangster movie and I have seen most of them.

Cagney was really something in those kind of roles.

[–] MayoGalway 11 years ago

Trivia page: it's rated #8 Gangster film all-time.

[–] he88 10 years ago

Sorry pal but this is very far from the greatest gangster movie of all time. The primary reason....it only had two actors in it, horrible directing, and not very good writing (But I have the feeling that it probably had to be dumbed way down for all the talentless hacks)

I watched this and wondered how many times Cagney came close to pulling his hair for having to work with so many hacks. The only other person with talent was Joan Blondell, but instead of getting the role that Harlow who couldn't act to save herself got she had a pretty small part. She was the real babe too. I really don't get how Harlow was supposed to be so sexy back then.

I can think of many other great gangster movies that just blow the socks off this one, but another Cagney movie "White Heat" is far better acting, directing, and script. Granted it's several years later, but check that one out then watch this one again