In the early 1930s, many films reflected the public’s distrust of big business and government. Gangster movies, such as Public Enemy starring James Cagney, were very popular. These films showed a declining faith in government and law enforcement, with characters turning to crime to survive the depression.

But as the New Deal restored confidence, the government regained its glow, and movies began portraying government officials as heroes. In 1935, Cagney portrayed an FBI agent who captured the bad guys in G-Men.