About the Film
G-Man Jeff Crane 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, Crane joins him in a Dillinger-like flight across the country.
✨ The Watchlist Wizard Verdict
The Vibe: Public Hero Number 1 is a captivating and well-crafted crime and drama movie from 1935. Directed by J. Walter Ruben, and starring Lionel Barrymore, Jean Arthur, Chester Morris G-Man Jeff Crane poses as a crook to infiltrate the notorious Purple Gang, a band of hoodlums which preys upon other hoodlums.
Fan Reception: While holding a polarized score of 6.2/10, Public Hero Number 1 retains a dedicated audience who appreciate its unique premise and stylistic choices.
Time Investment: At a brisk 1h 29m, it's a tight, efficient movie that respects your time while delivering maximum impact.
Who Should Watch It: Highly recommended for general audiences and genre enthusiasts. If you enjoy movies that blends crime with drama elements, Public Hero Number 1 deserves a spot on your watchlist.
Where to Watch
Production Specs
Top Billed Cast
Actors Also In
Trending This Week
© 2026 WATCHLIST WIZARD • DATA SYNCED VIA TMDB & WATCHMODE