Cast
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Jean Arthur
as Cassie Nicholls
George Murphy
as Edward Joseph "Red" Foster
Douglass Dumbrille
as Mario Tonelli
George McKay
as Dildy
Robert Middlemass
as Frentrup
Victor Kilian
as Joe
Charles C. Wilson
as First Detective
Shirley Grey
as Mimi LaVerne
Bradley Page
as Louie
Arthur Rankin
as Tommy
Thurston Hall
as Captain of Ocean Liner
Fred Kelsey
as Mike - Cop
Gene Morgan
as Cox (uncredited)
Murray Alper
as Stiglitz (uncredited)
Mark Strong
as Court Clerk (uncredited)
Crew
Director
- Erle C. Kenton
Writer
- Ethel Hill
- Lionel Houser
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, The Public Menace examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Erle C. Kenton brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1935, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Public Menace took approximately 29 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 72 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 129 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 5 weeks before filming began.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 10 months to complete.
- The musical score contains over 65 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 1935, when this film was released:
- Television was becoming a dominant form of home entertainment.
- The Cold War was intensifying, influencing global politics and culture.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Public Menace shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Black Diamonds, which focuses more on action than character development, The Public Menace offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Nearly Departed and Father Hood explore similar territory, The Public Menace stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: September 30, 1935
- Runtime: 1h 12m
