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

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

Author: Greg Titian & Meredith Ambelang May 20, 2025 Duration: 1:33:50
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) Profanity, including "God," "Jesus," or "hell" used irreverently. Nudity, in any form (including silhouettes). Illegal drug use. Sexual perversion (code word for homosexuality, fetishism, etc.). White slavery (human trafficking, especially of white women). Miscegenation (interracial romantic or sexual relationships). Scenes of childbirth, in fact or in silhouette Ridicule of clergy. Willful offense to any nation, race, or creed. The "Be Carefuls" (Sensitive Topics Requiring Caution) Use of firearms. Theft, robbery, and safe-cracking. Brutality and gruesomeness. Techniques of murder. Sympathy for criminals or crime success Adultery, if presented sympathetically or explicitly. Seduction. Sexual relationships outside of marriage. Excessive kissing or lustful embraces. Drunkenness, especially if humorous or sympathetic. Use of liquor in the presence of children. Mocking the law or law enforcement. Revenge in modern times as a moral justification. Surgical operations, unless essential to the plot. Cruelty to animals. 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Midnight Local is where the formal workday ends and the real, rambling conversations begin. Hosts Greg Titian and Meredith Ambelang, the creative forces behind the YouTube series How to Drink, know all about crafting content within the confines of a studio. This podcast is what happens after the cameras stop rolling. It’s the unfiltered, often hilarious, and deeply nerdy dialogue that bubbles up when two people who live and breathe pop culture-specifically TV, film, and history-are finally off the clock. Imagine pausing a movie because a thought about a director’s earlier work, a historical inaccuracy, or a bizarre piece of trivia simply cannot wait for the credits. That’s the energy here. Each episode feels like eavesdropping on a late-night chat between friends who are equally passionate and knowledgeable, where the structure of a typical show is willingly abandoned for a more interesting detour. You’ll hear the tangents, the debates, and the unexpected connections between a classic film and a modern series, all fueled by years of working together in creative chaos. Tune into this podcast for a companionable dive into the stories behind the stories, where the analysis is as entertaining as the media itself.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 60

Midnight Local
Podcast Episodes
Peak 90s Nostalgia, Super Mario Bros. [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:07:19
Super Mario Bros. took us back to our childhood which is probably what made it the most successful movie of the year so far! The voice acting leaves a lot to be desired but the movie hits all the right nostalgic notes. W…
The most ambitious crossover, Who Framed Roger Rabbit [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:14:49
It is incredible that Who Framed Roger Rabbit ever got made, but thank goodness it did! The talent that pours out of every frame of this film is still impressive 30 years later! More about the show: Twitch: http://bit.ly…
Another Disney Remake, The Little Mermaid [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:07:32
Disney has always reused old IP to make more money, so the “live action” remakes are nothing new, but do they hold up to the originals? In this episode we compare the animated and live action Little Mermaids. More about…
Let’s get nuts, Batman 1989 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:16:41
Is Keaton the best Batman? Is Jack Nicholson the best Joker? Maybe we will never know for sure but in this episode we breakdown the Batman that changed it all in the search for answers. More about the show: Twitch: http:…
Cool mess or hot mess, Everything Everywhere All at Once [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:29:19
The 2023 best picture winner sparked a lively debate between Meredith and Greg. Is the movie too long and Oscar bait-y, or is it a beautifully relatable emotional mess? One thing is for sure, it left us with lots to talk…
Lovable curmudgeons, Columbo and Poker Face [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:19:13
Movies are wonderful but there is a lot of fantastic Television out there as well. This episode started out about Columbo and Poker Face (which is heavily inspired by Columbo) but turned into a love letter to Natasha Lyo…
Undead Frenemies, Death Becomes Her [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:06:54
This unexpected Oscar winner really holds up! We debate if there is a victim or a villain or if the main characters of this film all deserved what they got. What is for sure is that the all star cast and crew created a p…
Total Recall warned us about Elon Musk [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:21:25
Did Paul Verhoeven have a time machine or is he a wizard? We watched Total Recall, another of his sci fi action films that has remained shockingly relevant well over 30 year past it's release. This film has some of the m…
RoboCop, a Cyberpunk Masterpiece [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:27:11
Are we in control of our own free will or are we just along for the ride? This is a core question of the cyberpunk genre that is defined by movies like RoboCop. Don't judge this movie by its cover, RoboCop might present…
Waxing on about the Karate Kid [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:58
Is Johnny Lawrence redeemable? Is Cobra Kai just Degrassi with punching? Is Mr. Miyagi the coolest character in The Karate Kid universe (not actually a question)? Thoughts about all of these questions and more on this we…