The stringent censorship imposed upon Hollywood of the mid-1930s dictated that gangsters could no longer be the "heroes" in any crime film. Public Hero No. 1 reflects this restriction. G-Man Chester Morris poses as a crook to infiltrate the notorious Purple Gang, a band of hoodlums which preys upon other hoodlums. Orchestrating the jailbreak of the Gang's leader (Joseph Calleia), Morris joins him in a Dillinger-like flight across the country. The bloody denouement, which occurs in a vaudeville theatre, is likewise drawn from the Dillinger saga (that particular gentleman was of course killed in front of a movie house). Also featured in Public Hero No. 1 is Jean Arthur as the heroine (a comic role) and Lionel Barrymore as a drunken gang doctor. The film was remade as The Getaway in 1942.
Al Hill, Anderson Lawler, Arthur Housman, Bert Moorhouse, Bert Roach, Bill Wolfe, Billy Sullivan, Bob Montgomery, Brooks Benedict, Carl Stockdale, Chester Morris, Cora Sue Collins, Dorothy Vernon, Ed Brady, Eddie Hart, Edward Hearn, Frank Bruno, Frank Darien, Frank McGlynn Jr, Frank Moran, Frank Rice, George E Stone, Gladden James, Greta Meyer, Helene C
Crime, Drama
If you’re looking to stream Public Hero Number 1 through legitimate and secure channels, there are plenty of legal options depending on your region and viewing preferences. Subscribers to popular streaming platforms such as Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, and HBO Max (availability varies by country) may find Public Hero Number 1 included in their current catalog of superhero classics. In some regions, local services like Viu may also carry the film based on licensing rights.
Prefer watching without a paid subscription? Ad-supported platforms like Tubi, Pluto TV, Crackle, and Peacock (where available) offer free access to select movies, including Public Hero Number 1, in exchange for minimal advertising. These services are fully licensed and completely legal.
If you'd rather rent or own a digital copy, check platforms like Google Play Movies, Apple iTunes, or Amazon Video, which typically offer HD or 4K versions for one-time purchase or rental.
You can also explore library-supported platforms like Kanopy and Hoopla, which allow free streaming for users with valid library cards or university logins. Finally, keep an eye on official YouTube channels run by studios or authorized distributors, as they sometimes upload full movies—giving you another legal route to enjoy Public Hero Number 1 online.
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