The Public Enemy

This 1931 classic focuses on the Powers family and how they are torn apart by mob life mentality. The movie begins with a disclaimer from Warner Brothers: "It is the ambition of the authors of 'The Public Enemy' to honestly depict an environment that exists today in a certain strata of American life, rather than glorify the hoodlum or the criminal. While the story of 'The Public Enemy' is essentially a true story, all names and characters appearing herein, are purely fictional."

This pre-code era film is acclaimed for its narrative as well as daring subject matter. When young friends Tom and Matt find themselves involved in illegal activities, their petty crimes slowly grow into organized crimes during the prohibition era. Banking on the sales of illegal alcohol, Tom comes into conflict with his recent WWII veteran brother, Mike. Mike's refusal to accept any of the money or bootleg alcohol enrages Tom to return back home with his live-in girlfriend. Their break-up leads to Tom smashing a grapefruit into his ex-girlfriend's face in a rage.

When a rival gang kills one of Tom and Mike's gang members, there is an all-out street warfare. Matt is killed by a sniper. Tom is killed after barging into a banquet hall filled with his enemies. The rival gang leaves his body on the door step. The last image seen is another disclaimer, "The END of Tom Powers is the end of every hoodlum. 'The Public Enemy' is, not a man, nor is it a character -- it is a problem that sooner or later WE, the public, must solve."

Although the scene in The Great Movie Ride doesn't retell this story directly, the violence and essence of the original film are apparent. The area is called the underworld, representing the urban streets of the early twentieth century, brimming with illegal activities. Tom Powers, as played by James Cagney, is standing on stoop sharing his plans for his next caper. As guests turn the corner, they encounter a run down hotel and stop in the middle of a street as a road blockade. Mugsy (or Mugsi), fresh from a bank robbery, has a gun battle in the middle of the street. After hijacking the tram and scaring off the guide, the guests journey into one of their scariest adventures yet!

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