Public Hero Number 1 (1935): cast, story & where to watch
1935 · Film · ★ 6.3
Released in 1935, Public Hero Number 1 is a drama and crime film directed by J. Walter Ruben, running about 89 minutes. “FACTS!...NEVER BEFORE TOLD!” — that tagline sets the tone.
What it’s about. 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.
Who’s in it. Public Hero Number 1 stars Lionel Barrymore as Dr. Josiah Glass, Jean Arthur as Maria Theresa 'Terry' O'Reilly, Chester Morris as Jeff Crane and Joseph Calleia as Sonny 'Dinkie' Black, among others.
How it landed. With an audience score of 6.3/10, Public Hero Number 1 has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response.
Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Public Hero Number 1 page.
If you liked it. Fans of Public Hero Number 1 tend to enjoy The Shawshank Redemption, The Godfather, Schindler's List and The Godfather Part II.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch Public Hero Number 1 (1935)?
- Streaming, rental and purchase options for Public Hero Number 1 change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
- Is Public Hero Number 1 worth watching?
- Public Hero Number 1 holds an audience score of 6.3 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy drama and crime. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.
- Who stars in Public Hero Number 1?
- Public Hero Number 1 stars Lionel Barrymore, Jean Arthur, Chester Morris, Joseph Calleia and Paul Kelly.
- When was Public Hero Number 1 released?
- Public Hero Number 1 was released in 1935, with a runtime of about 89 minutes.