A G-man goes undercover to infiltrate a gang, helping the group's leader escape from prison to gain his trust.A G-man goes undercover to infiltrate a gang, helping the group's leader escape from prison to gain his trust.A G-man goes undercover to infiltrate a gang, helping the group's leader escape from prison to gain his trust.
William Bailey
- Federal Agent
- (uncredited)
Brooks Benedict
- Bar Patron
- (uncredited)
Ed Brady
- Convict in Prison
- (uncredited)
Frank Bruno
- Extra Leaving Theater
- (uncredited)
Lane Chandler
- Train Conductor
- (uncredited)
Cora Sue Collins
- Little Girl
- (uncredited)
Helene Costello
- Convict Wife
- (uncredited)
Nell Craig
- Duff's Secretary with Telegram
- (uncredited)
Frank Darien
- Dr. Hale - Plastic Surgeon
- (uncredited)
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaContractual requirements were the reason why the name of Lionel Barrymore, who was definitely a secondary and supporting player, as far as the story was concerned, received first billing, and Jean Arthur, the leading lady, but in no way the principal participant, received second billing, while Chester Morris, around whom the entire story revolved, and who was in practically every scene of any consequence, was relegated to third position.
- GoofsDuring the big shoot out, the window frame that "Sonny" peeks out of goes from damaged to undamaged to being damaged again.
- Quotes
Prison Warden: Crane, you were convicted of a hold up.
Jeff Crane: Sure! I stuck up a beer joint and got twelve bucks. Now, I'm buried alive for ten years. Ten years off my life for twelve dirty bucks! Is that fair?
Prison Warden: Yes. If your gun hadn't jammed you'd a killed a man for twelve dirty bucks. Was that fair?
- ConnectionsFeatures The Big House (1930)
Featured review
Maria Theresa 'Terry' O'Reilly
Is a fine Irish-American girl whose strangely Italian (?) brother (named Sonny "Dinkie" Black) runs Detroit's Purple Gang. At least they are both Catholic. Beginning inside a prison, the film introduces the immortal Chester Morris as an undercover FBI agent who infiltrates the gang and falls for Terry (played by Jean Arthur).
They have a slick prison break sequence and a fair amount of action, romantic comedy, and Hollywood's on-going campaign to make G-Men public heroes. John Dillinger had been killed a few months before "Public Hero #1" went into production, they change the names and the city but recreate the events of his apprehension outside a theater.
Forgotten actor Joseph Calleia plays the gang boss and brother. He has the most challenging role and does a fine job portraying a multi-dimensional character. Lionel Barrymore gets to overact nicely as a perpetually drunk mob doctor.
"Public Hero #1" is a surprisingly good film. It's mix of genres is as strange as it sounds but that works in its favor if you like to get away from standard formula stories. While it lacks overall unity, the disparate pieces are quite well done and are very entertaining inside their own little compartments.
Then again, what do I know? I'm only a child.
They have a slick prison break sequence and a fair amount of action, romantic comedy, and Hollywood's on-going campaign to make G-Men public heroes. John Dillinger had been killed a few months before "Public Hero #1" went into production, they change the names and the city but recreate the events of his apprehension outside a theater.
Forgotten actor Joseph Calleia plays the gang boss and brother. He has the most challenging role and does a fine job portraying a multi-dimensional character. Lionel Barrymore gets to overact nicely as a perpetually drunk mob doctor.
"Public Hero #1" is a surprisingly good film. It's mix of genres is as strange as it sounds but that works in its favor if you like to get away from standard formula stories. While it lacks overall unity, the disparate pieces are quite well done and are very entertaining inside their own little compartments.
Then again, what do I know? I'm only a child.
helpful•154
- aimless-46
- Jan 22, 2007
Details
- Runtime1 hour 29 minutes
- Color
- Aspect ratio
- 1.37 : 1
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