The new mystery picture with Lionel Barrymore and Chester Morris would actually look more like a drama than a comedy — if M-G-M hadn’t added Jean Arthur to the cast, as loan from Columbia Pictures. In fact, she contributes the most hilarious comedy effects. Barrymore’s drunkard Dr. Josiah Glass is comical as well, but the big laughs are to hear on account of Miss Arthur’s Maria Theresa O’Reilly.
Personally I’m not too obsessed with shootout scenes, as one can see firing Thompson submachine guns all over this Public Hero #1. If I feel fine with it, this is because the border between good and evil is shown clearly, as the good — the police forces — finally do triumph. Their devastating submachine gunfire impressed me somewhat. Chester Morris himself looks downright neat with a Thompson in his hands. As he looks good with my favorite actress Jean Arthur in his arms. They’re indeed a very beautiful couple.
Briefly worded, the plot begins with Chester Morris’ character Jeff Crane, as pretended killer. Later it shows more and more he actually is a police spy, hunting down a gang of killers. Accidentally he falls in love with their boss’ sister Terry O’Reilly. Terry is a very honest and decent girl, but she certainly loves her brother. So, after Chester has to shoot him, she feels like being supposed to hate him.
My intent is not to give away the whole plot. So let me just tell all those,who prefer love stories with happy ends (as I do): This couple is simply too cute, to see them separated forever….
Clarissa Smith — May 16, 1935
