Public Hero Number 1
“FACTS!...NEVER BEFORE TOLD!”
Synopsis
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.
Top Cast
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Lionel Barrymore
Dr. Josiah Glass
Jean Arthur
Maria Theresa 'Terry' O'Reilly
Chester Morris
Jeff Crane
Joseph Calleia
Sonny 'Dinkie' Black
Paul Kelly
Special Agent James Duff
Lewis Stone
Prison Warden
Paul Hurst
Rufe Parker
George E. Stone
Butch
Sam Baker
Mose Jones
William Bailey
Federal Agent (uncredited)
Brooks Benedict
Bar Patron (uncredited)
Ed Brady
Convict in Prison (uncredited)
Lane Chandler
Train Conductor (uncredited)
Cora Sue Collins
Little Girl (uncredited)
Helene Costello
Convict Wife (uncredited)
Nell Craig
Duff's Secretary with Telegram (uncredited)
Frank Darien
Dr. Hale - Plastic Surgeon (uncredited)
James Flavin
Flavin - Federal Agent (uncredited)
Release History & Theatrical Window
May 31, 1935
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- J. Walter Ruben
- Screenplay & Story
- Wells Root
- Original Score
- Edward Ward
- Original Title
- Public Hero Number 1
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 29m
- Production Studios
- Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
J. Walter Ruben
Wells Root, J. Walter Ruben
Edward Ward
Gregg Toland
Frank Sullivan
Department Leadership Roster
J. Walter Ruben
Director
Wells Root
Screenplay
Frank Sullivan
Editor
Gregg Toland
Director of Photography
Edward Ward
Original Music Composer
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
NR: Not Rated — Evaluated outside standard classification boards.
International Certification Matrix
Not Rated — Evaluated outside standard classification boards.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Public Hero Number 1.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring Public Hero Number 1.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Public Hero Number 1
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Public Hero Number 1 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 directed Public Hero Number 1?
Public Hero Number 1 was directed by J. Walter Ruben.
Who stars in Public Hero Number 1?
The principal cast of Public Hero Number 1 includes Lionel Barrymore, Jean Arthur, Chester Morris, Joseph Calleia, Paul Kelly.
When was Public Hero Number 1 released and how long is it?
Public Hero Number 1 was released in 1935 with a total runtime of 1h 29m.
Who composed the musical score for Public Hero Number 1?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Public Hero Number 1 was composed by Edward Ward.
What is the age rating and content advisory for Public Hero Number 1?
Public Hero Number 1 holds official age classifications: US: NR (Not Rated — Evaluated outside standard classification boards.).