The Public Enemy

In the Public Enemy, Edward Woods was the one that was originally playing the character of Tommy Powers and James Cagney was cast as Matt Doyle. While watching the daileys the director, William A. Wellman, had them switch roles. James Cagney went on to act and was successful in his carrer with his last film being made in 1984, two years before his death. Edward Woods made his last film in 1938, and did not have the success that Cagney did.

In the film James Cagney played the tough guy on the outside, but could and was put back into place by his older brother. This gave way to him being more ruthless in his dealings with people on the street.