Frankenstein (1931)

Frankenstein actually is quite pared down adaptation but in a good way. It breaks the story down to the pure emotions of the story quite effectively. This film has so many iconic elements its pretty extraordinary. The monster himself of course in terms of the outstanding makeup but also Karloff's performance. Dr. Frankenstein himself as well with Colin Clive's rather lively depiction of a mad scientist. Not to forget Dwight Frye's monstrous lab assistant, even if he's not named Igor. The film though goes beyond that through James Whale's impeccable direction that uses the camera so fluidly when so many directors just kind of pointed it in the most standard fashion possible. The atmosphere of the film is remarkable, and the art direction, particularly the windmill and the lab, is unforgettable. The horror element is always present, but the film actually is a rather poignant examination of tragic story of a creature that should never have been made.
5/5

Dracula (1931)

The film begins with a great atmospheric sequence as we follow a man into Dracula's dark castle. This sequence is masterfully handled, and we get the introduction to Bela Lugosi's deservedly iconic portrayal of the character. Then it seems like Tod Browning completely gave up, apparently he did, as the film becomes really stagy for the rest of its run time. The scenes are repetitive, blandly acted for the most part with a few ridiculous attempts at comedy thrown in. There's nothing remarkable about the rest of the film other than Lugosi whose work stays strong, though he actually is not in it all the much. The ending, which features an off screen death for Dracula, is particularly disappointing.
2.5/5

The Public Enemy

Though Public Enemy has a few of the problematic tendencies of older films it more than makes up for it's compelling portrait of a thug's descent into the criminal underground. What really makes it so remarkable are two elements. William Wellman's excellent direction that never holds back on depiction the sheer cruelty of the world, and just how unpleasant the life becomes. Wellman's portrayal of the deaths in the film is especially effective in just how uncompromising it all is, with the violence seeming so meaningless and random at times. The other factor being James Cagney who's one of the best actors of the thirties. Cagney's work as usual has this energetic quality that enlivens the film yet he also does not hold back in showing just how low his character really is.
4.5/5

Little Caesar

Little Caesar has one thing going for it, one big thing, played by a shorter man, that being Caesar himself. That's in large part due to Edward G. Robinson's great performance that manages to carry the character past any restrictions of the role and becomes larger than life while still bringing some very real vulnerabilities. The film does suffer a bit from a largely forgettable supporting cast, and the story around the central character never becomes all the compelling. It's most effective in the narrowest view which is that of the character study. It works because of Robinson and Mervyn LeRoy's direction which brings the needed edge to such a tale. 
4/5