The Public Enemy

Tom Powers and Matt Doyle grow up in poverty in Chicago, where they establish a close friendship. Their tough upbringing leads them to seek out opportunities that would eventually lead them into the criminal underworld.

The two friends begin working for Putty Nose, a fence who introduces them to the world of crime. Eager to prove themselves, Tom and Matt embark on a robbery deal that ultimately turns disastrous.

When the robbery goes awry, Putty Nose abandons Tom and Matt in their time of need. This betrayal marks a pivotal moment in their transition from minor criminals to more serious players in the gang world.

During Prohibition, Tom and Matt meet Paddy Ryan, who becomes a valuable ally. Paddy sets them up in the illegal brewery business, providing them a steady source of income and a deeper entrenchment in the criminal scene.

Tom's older brother Mike returns from World War I and confronts him about his associations with gangsters. The confrontation leads to Tom angrily leaving home, further solidifying his pathway into crime.

Under the direction of big boss Nails Nathan, Tom and Matt are used to exert influence over local speakeasies. Their roles increase in stature as they begin to pressure these establishments into buying only their beer.

Tom's impatience and frustration lead him to take out his anger on his girlfriend Kitty. In a shocking display of violence, he shoves a grapefruit into her face, showcasing his brutal transformation into a ruthless gangster.

After rejecting Kitty, Tom becomes infatuated with the glamorous Texan, Gwen Allen. This change in romantic interests illustrates Tom's rising status and his desire for a more lavish lifestyle.

While celebrating at a nightclub, Tom spots Putty Nose, their former boss. Fueled by anger over past betrayals, Tom and Matt follow him to his apartment, where Tom commits murder.

The gang is shaken by the unexpected death of Nails Nathan after a fall from a horse. His demise triggers a violent power struggle between rival gangs, plunging the city into chaos.

Following Nails' death, Paddy orders the gang to go into hiding to avoid the escalating conflict. However, Tom is unwilling to flee, leading to dire consequences for him and Matt.

As Tom and Matt attempt to leave their hiding place, they are ambushed by a rival gang. The shootout ends tragically with Matt's death, leaving Tom devastated and vengeful.

Fueled by rage over Matt's death, Tom embarks on a solitary quest for revenge against those who killed his friend. He takes on multiple rivals in brutal confrontations, showcasing his newfound ruthless persona.

During his violent rampage against his enemies, Tom is seriously wounded. Despite his injuries, he persists in his quest for vengeance, embodying the pain and loss he has experienced.

After being captured and drugged, Tom wakes up in a hospital, where he becomes a target for the gang. Ultimately, he is delivered, wrapped in bandages, to his mother's house, signifying his tragic downfall.