By Sarah Latoza Wed, July 1, 2009, 12:01 am PDT

Honestly, who wouldn't want their bank robbed by this guy? (Photo from Yahoo! Movies) In times of political and economic turmoil, it's common for villains to become heroes in the eyes of the public. From Robin Hood and Guy Fawkes in England to the outlaws of the American West, notoriety can become an admirable trait. One of the most popular figures of this ilk was John Dillinger, the (in)famous bank robber. Despite a short career spanning just over a decade (most of which he actually spent in jail), Dillinger became one of the newly formed FBI's most wanted criminals and a star in America's media. With his flashy style, leading-man good looks, charming demeanor, and creative robbery tactics, it's not surprising that Dillinger was embraced by the public. Moreover, his crime sprees occurred during an era when most Americans were feeling the effects of the Great Depression; thus, he (and other '30s era outlaws like Bonnie and Clyde) were viewed largely as latter-day Robin Hoods (albeit armed with machine guns, rather than with bows and arrows). The exploits of the Dillinger Gang (whose members included Charles "Pretty Boy" Floyd and George "Babyface" Nelson) were legendary; among Dillinger's supposed (mis)adventures were two jail breaks (one using a fake gun made of wood), staging a bank holdup as a movie shoot, pretending to be a bank security expert to gain access to vaults, and stealing an estimated $300,000 from various Midwestern banks (equivalent to nearly $5 million today!). Dillinger also dated a series of beautiful women and was a lifelong Chicago Cubs fan. Dillinger's death became nearly as legendary as his life. While attending a film ("Manhattan Melodrama") at Chicago's Biograph Theater, one of his girlfriends, Anna Sage (who became known as "the woman in red"), tipped off the FBI as to Dillinger's identity; the agents then shot him multiple times, and he died in the theatre's alley. Or did he? Several discrepancies with Dillinger's body and forensic evidence led many to believe the man who had been shot had been an imposter and that the real Dillinger was still alive. That story is unlikely, but it remains just another extraordinary aspect of Dillinger's brief life and (still living) legend -- such as that part of him ended up in the Smithsonian. Today marks the opening of Michael Mann's highly-anticipated film "Public Enemies," which details the various exploits of Dillinger (played by Johnny Depp), his relationship with singer Billie Frechette (Oscar winner Marion Cotillard), and the efforts of FBI special agent Melvin Purvis (Christian Bale) to capture him. The movie's release couldn't be more timely, considering current economic circumstances. It's likely to rekindle interest in Dillinger but will, hopefully, deter any would-be Robin Hoods from following in his footsteps. Perhaps his most lasting legacy is the reminder that crime does not pay. Suggested Sites... Public Enemy #1 - PBS "American Life" feature about the life and crimes of John Dillinger. "Dillinger" (1945) - watch the first Dillinger film, starring Lawrence Tierney. Dillinger On Screen - synopsis of "Dillinger," "Public Enemies," and other movies about John Herbert Dillinger. Bryan Burrough - official site for the author of "Public Enemies," the book upon which the movie is based. FBI Most Wanted Lists - crime may not pay, but it sure can make you popular.

Directory categories: John Dillinger, Public Enemies, Johnny Depp, FBI History, Outlaws

Archived under: 1930s, Actors, American History, Biographies, Celebrities, Chicago, Crime, Criminals, Dead Celebrities, Detectives, History, Law Enforcement, Movie Theatres, Movies, Mythology and Folklore, Society and Culture, United States, Urban Legends, Villains

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