By now you may have heard that Johnny Depp is to play John Dillinger in a movie scheduled for release in 2009. Christian Bale will play Melvin "Stick 'em up, Johnny" Purvis.
Filming is taking place now in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Indiana. The locals are taking sneak photos and are pretty excited. So are the Gangsterologists, because the production company and at least one of the actors have been in contact with respected crime historians and descendants to get all those little details about the machine-gun bandits just right.
The photo of Johnny Depp (above) comes from this anonymous blogger, who actually took the photos. He advises that they have been cut and pasted all over the Internet by professional media who did not (as I now have) seek permission (tsk, tsk, copyright violation).
It sure sounds as though they're making every effort to create an authentic film. The photos show the actual 1932 Studabaker sedan used by Dillinger's gang (owned by Historic Auto Attractions in Roscoe, IL) to rob a bank in Greencastle, Indiana in 1933.
The Hollywood Newsroom also has sneak photos. (Quips Rick Mattix: "Without the mustache Depp looks like a teenager. Mebbe he's playing Baby Face Dillinger?")
The film is based on Bryan Burrough's Public Enemies: America's Greatest Crime Wave and the Birth of the FBI, 1933-34, adapted by Oscar-winning director Michael Mann, a Chicago native. 
Methinks these folks will take the money and run.
For more reading, check out The John Dillinger Died For You Society
Looking forward to seeing the film. Johnny Depp is a gifted actor and I think he can handle any part. Christian Bale should also be excellent. Sounds like a terrific film--a film that cares about itself enough for authenticity and enough to get top actors for its roles. Can't wait to see it.
Posted by: carole gill | March 25, 2008 at 08:36 AM
you call Burrough a snotty jerk yet steal photos from the AP?
Posted by: Rod Melotte | March 25, 2008 at 10:41 PM
Actually that photo was from the Hollywood Newsroom, linked in the article, and I asked for permission to use the photo.
Posted by: Laura | March 26, 2008 at 06:45 AM
Fair enough - then THEY should give credit when they post photos, or at least say where they got them.
I was more lashing out at them!
Sorry - piece out!
Posted by: Rod M | March 26, 2008 at 09:39 AM