This short'n'sweet 20 minute retrospective documentary offers several nifty insights into the classic James Cagney mobster gem "The Public Enemy. We learn that Cagney wasn't originally set to play Tom Powers and that his electrifying portrayal of Powers made him a huge star. Moreover, Cagney brought a gritty street reality to his role, spoke in a highly distinctive fast manner, and has an absolutely commanding screen presence because he's such a total bundle of fierce energy. Of course, the infamous "grapefruit" scene gets discussed; Cagney's co-star Mae Clarke reportedly didn't know that he was going to shove it right in her face. "The Public Enemy" also features Jean Harlow in one of her first major roles. Director William Wellman brought a real elegance to the cinematography and fought hard to keep the unforgettably grim ending in the movie. Devout fan Martin Scorsese has some especially cool things to say about the film: He reveals that he first saw the movie at around age ten on a doublebill with "Little Caesar," notes that all of the violence occurs off-screen (Scorsese confesses that he alas is unable to do this in his own pictures!), and, best of all, relates a great anecdote about screening "The Public Enemy" for an audience of young people who all applauded at the end of the feature. Scorsese completely hits the nail right on the head when he cites Cagney's bravura dynamic performance as the birth of modern acting. Essential viewing for aficionados of "The Public Enemy."
Beer and Blood: Enemies of the Public
(2005 Video)
An excellent and informative retrospective documentary
30 July 2009
Warning: Spoilers