Movie Description:
The PUBLIC ENEMY showcases James Cagney`s powerful 1931 breakthrough performance as streetwise tough guy TomPowers--but only becauseproduction chief Darryl F. Zanuck made a late casting change. When shooting began,Cagney had a secondary role but Zanuck soonspotted Cagney`s screen dominance and give him the star part. From that moment, anindelible genre classicand an enduring starcareer were both born. Bristling with `20s style, dialogue and desperation under the masterful directorial eye of William A.Wellman, this is a virtual time- capsule of the Prohibition era: taut, gritty, hard-hitting--even at breakfast when grapefruit isserved.