2007
In 1933, notorious bank robber John Dillinger embarks on a crime spree across the Midwest after a daring prison break, drawing the attention of determined federal agent Melvin Purvis and the newly empowered Bureau of Investigation. Dillinger becomes Public Enemy Number One after a series of high-profile robberies and escapes, forcing J. Edgar Hoover to expand the Bureau's powers and deploy a specialized team to hunt him down. As the dragnet tightens, Dillinger's lover, Billie Frechette, is captured and interrogated, while Dillinger, desperate to free her, is betrayed by Anna Sage. Dillinger is ambushed by Purvis and his agents outside the Biograph Theater, where he is shot and killed, solidifying his legend as a romantic outlaw.
Save the Cat beat sheet
Public Enemies opens with John Dillinger poised for escape, setting the tone for a high–stakes crime saga.
Open full beat sheetJohn Herbert Dillinger is listed as Protagonist / Bank Robber. 30-year-old bank robber, charismatic, romantic, intelligent, and determined. In the parsed data, John Herbert Dillinger is connected to 40 scenes, 20 dialogue lines, 20 text mentions, first appearing around scene 3.
40 scenes / 20 dialogue linesMelvin Purvis is listed as Special Agent in Charge (FBI). Handsome, tenacious, Southern patrician, and dedicated lawman. In the parsed data, Melvin Purvis is connected to 21 scenes, 6 dialogue lines, 6 text mentions, first appearing around scene 11.
21 scenes / 6 dialogue linesBillie Frechette is listed as Dillinger's girlfriend. 27-year-old woman of Menominee Indian descent, beautiful, loyal, and resilient. In the parsed data, Billie Frechette is connected to 17 scenes, 2 dialogue lines, 2 text mentions, first appearing around scene 23.
17 scenes / 2 dialogue linesCharles 'Red' Hamilton is listed as Dillinger's associate. Expert getaway driver, calm and focused. In the parsed data, Charles 'Red' Hamilton is connected to 13 scenes, 1 dialogue line, 1 text mention, first appearing around scene 1.
13 scenes / 1 dialogue linesHomer Van Meter is listed as Dillinger's associate. Tall, incorrigible clown, and unemotional killer. In the parsed data, Homer Van Meter is connected to 12 scenes, first appearing around scene 2.
12 scenes / 0 dialogue linesHarry 'Pete' Pierpont is listed as Dillinger's associate. Brilliant, violent, and hates all authority. In the parsed data, Harry 'Pete' Pierpont is connected to 10 scenes, first appearing around scene 2.
10 scenes / 0 dialogue linesCharles Winstead is listed as Special Agent / Ex-Texas Ranger. Ominous, professional, and highly skilled gunfighter. In the parsed data, Charles Winstead is connected to 9 scenes, 2 dialogue lines, 2 text mentions, first appearing around scene 22.
9 scenes / 2 dialogue linesCharles Makley is listed as Dillinger's associate. Squat, anvil-jawed, and calm. In the parsed data, Charles Makley is connected to 9 scenes, first appearing around scene 2.
9 scenes / 0 dialogue linesJ. Edgar Hoover is listed as Director of the Bureau of Investigation. Short, dynamic, ambitious, and obsessed with public image. In the parsed data, J. Edgar Hoover is connected to 6 scenes, 2 dialogue lines, 2 text mentions, first appearing around scene 9.
6 scenes / 2 dialogue linesBaby Face Nelson is listed as Criminal associate. Volatile, violent, and reckless. In the parsed data, Baby Face Nelson is connected to 6 scenes, first appearing around scene 11.
6 scenes / 0 dialogue linesAlvin Karpis is listed as Criminal associate. Cunning, careful, and long-lived criminal. In the parsed data, Alvin Karpis is connected to 4 scenes, 2 dialogue lines, 2 text mentions, first appearing around scene 12.
4 scenes / 2 dialogue linesFrank Nitti is listed as Syndicate leader. Sober, educated, and business-minded. In the parsed data, Frank Nitti is connected to 4 scenes, 1 dialogue line, 1 text mention, first appearing around scene 45.
4 scenes / 1 dialogue linesHamilton and Dillinger wait in a Pontiac outside the prison.
Charles 'Red' Hamilton, John Herbert DillingerConvicts prepare for a work call while guards watch.
Harry 'Pete' Pierpont, Charles Makley, Homer Van MeterHamilton brings Dillinger into the prison, posing as a lawman.
Charles 'Red' Hamilton, John Herbert DillingerThe escape begins as convicts retrieve hidden weapons.
Harry 'Pete' Pierpont, Charles Makley, Homer Van Meter, John Herbert DillingerThe escapees flee the prison under fire.
John Herbert Dillinger, Charles 'Red' Hamilton, Harry 'Pete' Pierpont, Charles Makley, Homer Van MeterDillinger confronts Shouse after the escape.
John Herbert Dillinger, Charles 'Red' Hamilton, Harry 'Pete' Pierpont, Homer Van MeterThe gang stops at a farm for food.
John Herbert Dillinger, Charles 'Red' Hamilton, Harry 'Pete' Pierpont, Charles Makley, Homer Van MeterMelvin Purvis hunts and kills Pretty Boy Floyd.
Melvin PurvisHoover defends his Bureau before a skeptical committee.
J. Edgar HooverDillinger and his crew rob a bank.
John Herbert Dillinger, Harry 'Pete' Pierpont, Homer Van Meter, Charles Makley, Charles 'Red' HamiltonPurvis briefs his team of agents on the investigation into Dillinger's coat and sets expectations for the dangerous work ahead.
Melvin Purvis, Charles Winstead, Alvin Karpis, Baby Face Nelson, Frank NittiDillinger meets Billie Frechette while discussing business with Alvin Karpis.
John Herbert Dillinger, Billie Frechette, Harry 'Pete' Pierpont, Charles 'Red' Hamilton, Homer Van Meter, Charles MakleyDillinger and Billie share a romantic moment outside the ballroom.
John Herbert Dillinger, Billie FrechetteDillinger and Billie have dinner; Dillinger is confronted by Gilbert Catena.
John Herbert Dillinger, Billie Frechette, Frank NittiPurvis and Baum listen to wiretapped calls to track Dillinger.
Melvin PurvisDillinger confronts Billie for leaving him and they leave together.
John Herbert Dillinger, Billie FrechetteDillinger and Billie spend the night together.
John Herbert Dillinger, Billie FrechettePurvis raids an apartment, but it is Baby Face Nelson, not Dillinger.
Melvin Purvis, Baby Face NelsonDillinger and his crew rob a bank.
John Herbert Dillinger, Harry 'Pete' Pierpont, Charles MakleyHoover and Purvis argue over hiring practices.
Melvin Purvis, J. Edgar HooverEx-Texas Rangers arrive in Chicago to join the hunt for Dillinger.
Charles WinsteadWinstead and Campbell arrive at the station with heavy luggage, waiting for Purvis.
Charles Winstead, Melvin PurvisNitti discusses business with Phil D'Andrea while Dillinger and his crew watch the dog races.
Frank Nitti, John Herbert Dillinger, Billie Frechette, Harry 'Pete' Pierpont, Homer Van Meter, Charles MakleyDillinger and Billie stop at a gas station on Route 66.
John Herbert Dillinger, Billie FrechetteDillinger and Billie check into the hotel, but are ambushed by law enforcement.
John Herbert Dillinger, Billie FrechetteDillinger is held in jail and confronted by Purvis.
John Herbert Dillinger, Melvin Purvis, Harry 'Pete' Pierpont, Charles Makley, Charles WinsteadDillinger is brought to Crown Point and holds a press conference.
John Herbert DillingerDillinger escapes from the jail using a fake gun.
John Herbert DillingerDillinger calls Billie from a phone booth.
John Herbert Dillinger, Billie FrechetteDillinger confronts the Syndicate regarding his missing gear and status.
John Herbert DillingerD'Andrea informs Dillinger that the Syndicate is cutting ties with him because he is bad for business.
John Herbert Dillinger, Charles 'Red' HamiltonHoover berates Purvis and orders a crackdown on all Dillinger associates.
Melvin Purvis, J. Edgar HooverDillinger and his associates watch a newsreel about themselves and argue about their next move.
John Herbert Dillinger, Charles 'Red' Hamilton, Homer Van Meter, Baby Face NelsonDillinger and his crew rob the bank in Sioux Falls, but the robbery descends into chaos.
John Herbert Dillinger, Charles 'Red' Hamilton, Homer Van Meter, Baby Face NelsonThe gang hides out at Little Bohemia while Dillinger recovers from his wound.
John Herbert Dillinger, Charles 'Red' Hamilton, Homer Van Meter, Baby Face NelsonFBI agents torture a dying Tommy Carroll for information on Dillinger's location.
Melvin PurvisThe FBI raids Little Bohemia, leading to a chaotic shootout.
John Herbert Dillinger, Melvin Purvis, Charles 'Red' Hamilton, Homer Van Meter, Charles Winstead, Baby Face NelsonDillinger buries Hamilton after he dies from his wounds.
John Herbert Dillinger, Charles 'Red' HamiltonDillinger drives past the FBI surveillance team watching Billie's apartment.
John Herbert Dillinger, Billie FrechetteBillie crosses the alley in disguise while FBI agents watch the building.
Billie FrechetteAgents observe Billie listening to the radio.
Melvin PurvisBillie is picked up by Dillinger in his car.
John Herbert Dillinger, Billie FrechettePurvis informs agents that Cowley died and they must focus on Billie Frechette.
Melvin PurvisWill Rogers broadcasts commentary about the FBI's failure to catch Dillinger.
Nitti reacts to the new crime bill and orders action against the independent criminals.
Frank NittiHoover listens to the radio broadcast.
J. Edgar HooverPurvis visits the wiretap room and tells Madala to go home for New Year's Eve.
Melvin PurvisPurvis spends New Year's Eve alone.
Melvin PurvisDillinger and Billie discuss their future and plans to escape to South America.
John Herbert Dillinger, Billie FrechetteDillinger visits his family and Billie talks with his father.
John Herbert Dillinger, Billie FrechetteBillie is arrested by FBI agents while Dillinger watches helplessly.
John Herbert Dillinger, Billie FrechetteAgents interrogate Billie, using physical abuse to try to find Dillinger.
Billie FrechettePurvis observes the harsh treatment of informants and family members.
Melvin PurvisDillinger gives Probasco money to help Billie.
John Herbert DillingerZarkovich recruits Anna Sage to betray Dillinger.
Dillinger and Karpis plan a train robbery.
John Herbert Dillinger, Alvin KarpisDillinger visits Anna Sage and plans to go to the movies.
John Herbert DillingerPurvis receives the call from Anna Sage about the movie theater.
Melvin PurvisDillinger walks through the police station with Polly.
John Herbert DillingerDillinger and Polly watch a movie while Purvis waits outside.
John Herbert Dillinger, Melvin PurvisDillinger watches a movie while Purvis and his agents prepare for an ambush outside.
John Herbert Dillinger, Melvin PurvisPurvis and agents deploy around the theater.
Melvin Purvis, Charles WinsteadThe theater manager calls the police fearing a robbery.
Federal agents and Chicago police have a tense standoff.
Dillinger watches the end of the movie and realizes his fate.
John Herbert DillingerDillinger exits the theater and is shot by agents.
John Herbert Dillinger, Melvin Purvis, Charles WinsteadHoover and his agents arrest Alvin Karpis.
J. Edgar Hoover, Charles Winstead, Alvin KarpisPurvis quits the Bureau.
Melvin Purvis, J. Edgar HooverWinstead visits Billie Frechette to deliver Dillinger's final words.
Billie Frechette, Charles WinsteadWell, the man who killed Pretty Boy Floyd. He might have been "Pretty," 'cause he sure was not "Whiz Kid Floyd."
We been looking to snatch two fellas. One's a St. Paul banker, Ed Bremer. Need a few more hands.
Then we will cross-reference every Dillinger family member and known associate in each locale.
Thank you, thank you for these last few weeks. I never thought I'd see Florida.
Okie inbred sonsabitches ... backwoods cocksuckers. They did this.
So whattya say we lit out of here? Lit out of here, altogether.
You're turning it into a circus! What the hell are you doing?
Walter's dead 'cause you screwed it up, you son of a bitch!
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