The Original Gangster, 'The Public Enemy' (1931)

Midnight Local

We have spent nearly a century trying to make another gangster movie this good and some could argue we haven't done it yet. Being released before the Hay's code allows this movie to really speak it's mind and it does. With its loud commentary about the state of the US, strong female characters, sex, openly gay characters and nuance this movie is the perfect reminder of what the code took from us. It's a cliche for a reason, they don't make them like they used to.

THE HAYS CODE:

The "Don'ts" (Absolutely Forbidden)

1. Profanity, including "God," "Jesus," or "hell" used irreverently.
2. Nudity, in any form (including silhouettes).
3. Illegal drug use.
4. Sexual perversion (code word for homosexuality, fetishism, etc.).
5. White slavery (human trafficking, especially of white women).
6. Miscegenation (interracial romantic or sexual relationships).
7. Scenes of childbirth, in fact or in silhouette
8. Ridicule of clergy.
9. Willful offense to any nation, race, or creed.

The "Be Carefuls" (Sensitive Topics Requiring Caution)

1. Use of firearms.
2. Theft, robbery, and safe-cracking.
3. Brutality and gruesomeness.
4. Techniques of murder.
5. Sympathy for criminals or crime success
6. Adultery, if presented sympathetically or explicitly.
7. Seduction.
8. Sexual relationships outside of marriage.
9. Excessive kissing or lustful embraces.
10. Drunkenness, especially if humorous or sympathetic.
11. Use of liquor in the presence of children.
12. Mocking the law or law enforcement.
13. Revenge in modern times as a moral justification.
14. Surgical operations, unless essential to the plot.
15. Cruelty to animals.
16. Apparent cruelty to children.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Midnight Local and Pre-Code Cinema

06:01 The Evolution of Film Acting and Cagney's Influence

11:58 Character Development: Tom Powers and His Journey

18:00 Prohibition Era and Its Influence on the Film's Narrative

23:57 Censorship and Its Impact on Film and Society

30:03 Character Development and Censorship in Film

32:44 The Rise of Cagney and Blondell

37:05 Iconic Scenes and Their Backstories

40:39 War and Morality in Cinema

49:13 The Introduction of Jean Harlow

57:18 The Impact of Realism in Film

01:00:26 Buster Keaton and Physical Comedy

01:09:00 The Evolution of Gangster Films

01:25:29 The Legacy of James Cagney and Film History

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