most film make in the early 30 be entertain only a period piece that give u a glimpse into another era . often they be so dated that they have become unintentionally funny . the public enemy be a totally different thing . it be such a well craft and honest film that it still have the power to shock u . the violence in this film be every bit as brutal a anything in a modern gangsta flick and even though some of it take place off camera . base on the still i have see of the grapefruit scene and i think it would be a light hearted moment . in fact and it anything but . in that encounter and cagney character exhibit a total disregard for others that be downright chill . the final scene be extremely disturb . you would not forget it .