The Public Enemy (1931) Director: William A. Wellman ★★★★☆ The Public Enemy is a marvelous and highly significant film. James Cagney delivers a terrific and shockingly accurate performance as brutal gangster, Tom Powers. Cagney's character was based on the real Chicago gangster named Earl "Hymie" Weiss. Jean Harlow plays a small role as a call … Continue reading The Public Enemy →