Johnny Depp as Dillinger

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BY MOLLY WOULFE
mwoulfe@nwitimes.com
(219) 852-4329 | Friday, February 29, 2008 | (67 comment(s))

CROWN POINT | Johnny Depp, aka John Dillinger in the Universal film "Public Enemies," is hitting Crown Point this spring reportedly to reprise the gangster's bold 1934 escape from Lake County Jail.

The scene will be shot on location at the Old Sheriff's House and Jail, 226 S. Main St., sources said. Universal declined to comment on specifics.

The front part of the Second Empire-style building housed the top cop in Dillinger's era. The back holds the cells from which the bank robber fled in broad daylight.

Dates for the Crown Point shoot are under wraps. But director Michael Mann has targeted the old Lake County Criminal Court, 220 S. Main St., as his headquarters during a three-day stay. Reborn the Hall of Justice Bar and Ballroom in the early 1990s, the jail's neighbor will host up to 200 actors, crew members and technicians.

"Hollywood's coming to Crown Point," said Philip Struebig, co-owner of the Hall of Justice. "It's going to be a heck of a thing for Crown Point. It will put us back on the map."

He is banking on hosting a reception for three-time Oscar nominee Depp, 44, during the shoot. "We're ready to rock 'n' roll," he said.

Work crews arrived Monday to prep the red-brick jail for its close-up. By Thursday, a dozen tradesmen were measuring timber on sawhorses for a new drop ceiling and walls. The chug of a portable generator and buzz of a circular saw all but drowned out jokes about tommy guns.

"I wish we could say (the restoration) will be complete, but it'll be mostly the entry and upstairs," Universal location scout George Constas said Thursday.

The Depression-era cells -- one which housed Dillinger -- are rating kid-glove treatment. The restoration team will make them "look pretty, but not too pretty" for the period drama. "It'll just look like a jail," said Constas, standing in the gutted foyer. "Concrete and bars."

Indiana native Dillinger escaped the heavily guarded jail March 3, 1934, by brandishing a gun. Some say it was real gun smuggled into him; some say it was hand-carved.

He then embarrassed local authorities by driving off in Sheriff Lillian Holley's new V-8 Ford. The nonprofit Sheriff's House Foundation oversees the registered landmark today.

Philip and Cynthia Jo Struebig, who purchased the courthouse in 1990, said they met with Mann before Christmas to discuss local Dillinger sites that might be incorporated into the film. The "Miami Vice" producer toured the old courthouse, admiring the "Victory of Law Through Justice" mural before which Dillinger was arraigned, then inspected the jail.

Mann also borrowed a book and vintage photos of Public Enemy No. 1 from the Struebigs' collection of gangster memorabilia that adorns the Speakeasy Restaurant and Great Escape lounge within the Hall of Justice Bar. When they bought the old courthouse, "it was deteriorated. It was raining in the ballroom. We restored it as a labor of love. Never did I expect something like this would happen," Philip Struebig said.

Based on the book by Bryan Burrough, the crime drama will bow in 2009. The cast includes Christian Bale as G-man Melvin Purvis, who ambushed Dillinger outside Chicago's Biograph Theatre a few months after he fled the "escape-proof" Lake County Jail. Oscar winner Marion Cotillard, who collected best actress honors for her role as Edith Piaf in "La Mome," has been tapped as Billie Frechette, the gangster's lover and companion. "Public Enemies" will be filmed from March through June in Chicago, Indiana and Wisconsin.

Extra, extra!
Casting agent Joan Philo has issued an all-points bulletin for male reporters and photographers to play paid extras in scenes slated for Hammond, Gary and Crown Point. Also, an open casting call for men, women and children will be Saturday at Lane Tech High School in Chicago. See the Chicago Scene column in the ontheGo section for details.

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sal settecase wrote on Dec 11, 2008 7:08 PM:

" I was an extra in the new public enemy movie... but dont know if my scene is in the movie... anybody see the first release... i was in an elevatore with JD i was standing about two inches from him over his left shoulder.... let me know if anybody has seen the film...
Seems like a real normal guy... was chatting in the elevator with us...
thanks "

cpdawg3 wrote on Mar 26, 2008 11:14 AM:

" i live in crown point and i was there yesterday. i actually saw him . he was hanging ou the window and entertaining the croud. theyve made the place look a lot older. "

monroe wrote on Mar 26, 2008 10:10 AM:

" I have loved cp and all its old buildings since childhood. I now own one of the old historic places in town and walked the 2 blocks down from my house to the location of the shoot yesterday. What a crowd! I hear Johnny came out to the public both of the last 2 nights. I second the comment of shame on the people who want the properties torn down. You will find everyone and everything in history makes us who we are. Those of us who can boast a perfect life must have been born yesterday. "

miney wrote on Mar 25, 2008 10:30 PM:

" i want to see him so bad i live 45 mints away from him ahhh hi every body "

Kyle wrote on Mar 25, 2008 6:11 PM:

" Everyone's talking about crown point being small, take a look at Kentland. and i personaly dont care much about him being in Crown Point. its better that they're using authentic places than... well wherever else "

veronica411 wrote on Mar 24, 2008 3:48 PM:

" Its amazing to me how people criticize others that speak their beliefs about this country. It's called freedom of speech, its one of our fundamental rights. We then criticize countried like China that prosecute people for speaking against thier country. Dont you see its one of the things our country is all about, freedom. It's what our soldiers are fighting for in Iraq, so those people have the same freedoms.We can have an honest opinion here and thats awesome. We are not perfect, and thats one way to try to be perfect, to know where our faults are. "

Jackie wrote on Mar 23, 2008 10:39 PM:

" Has anyone heard of a SURE date for Johnny Depp to be in Crown Point? Need to call in (cough,cough) to my job so hate to take a day and miss him!! "

J-Nutz wrote on Mar 22, 2008 7:57 PM:

" I was fortunate to see the inside of the jail were they are shooting and it looks great! "

ken richardson wrote on Mar 22, 2008 5:45 PM:

" missed the first casting call,does anyone know if and or where they may be having another one?please let me know.very interested. "

carebearbabe607 wrote on Mar 18, 2008 3:07 PM:

" Johnny Depp is going to be there next week on monday. "

unknown wrote on Mar 17, 2008 8:09 PM:

" Um I now this may seem weird but if you were me you wouldn't think he's cute. Trust me you wouldn't believe me. at first. "

maddie wrote on Mar 16, 2008 7:58 PM:

" I dont care what people have to say all that matters is my oppions... johnny Depp is the hottest guy around. "

CrownPointQueen wrote on Mar 15, 2008 10:34 PM:

" I just found out about this the other day...this will whether you like it or not put Crown Point back on the map...it's so annoying to tell people where Crown Point is and only know where it is after telling them we are half an hour from Gary and an hour from Chicago...and no offense but Crown Point is boring as hell, we should be lucky someone of that great of an actor even wanted to come to our city to shoot a movie and put us back on the map again. And it's cool to see the Chicago-Crown Point connection. Even in Chicago I have to explain to people that when you are from Indiana we don't mean Indianapolis! We are practically in your back yard.

And I see Johnny Depp comparing France to the US hello it's France! Sorry but there is a great difference between Americans and Europeans. "

Sneza wrote on Mar 13, 2008 9:11 PM:

" DOES ANYONE KNOW WHEN SEXY JOHNNY IS COMING TO CROWN POINT....I JUST WANNA SEE HIM IN PERSON...... "

Barb wrote on Mar 13, 2008 2:20 AM:

" BTW your last comment was stop complaining about it and trying to be famous.

You are kidding right, if we wanted to be famous, all my grandmother had to do was talk to the press every year, on the anniversary of the killings. Everytime they came knocking on the door to interview her, she chose not too. She didn't want to put her life story out there, so more people would feel sorry for them. She dealt with the situtation and was a real survivor.

So being famous is not even a question, just a stupid assumption you made. "

Barb wrote on Mar 13, 2008 2:12 AM:

" You ask how does this effect me, its been almost a century ago? Because it was my grandmother, father, aunts and uncles. They were the ones who had to deal with the situtation. They are the survivors and yes Dillinger did ruin they're lives by taking their father life.

Wonder how you would feel if this was your family? "

jenn m. yep yep wrote on Mar 12, 2008 2:18 PM:

" talk about critics. who cares what johnny depp did before he moved. hes a fabulous actor and for being in his fourties looks "oh so tastey". im sure that all of you that left craperific comments, bashing the man- have at one time or another watched and really enjoyed his movies. ive been a depp fan practically all my life, get off his butt. and seriously now folks... REMEMBER THAT JOHNNY DEPP IS PLAYING THE PART OF JOHN DILLINGER- HES NOT ACTUALLY JOHN DILLINGER. so to sit back and make stupid comments about how dillinger ruined peoples lives, okay so he did.... almost a century ago! so really how does that affect you now? let me guess youre communicating with the dead? it was enough to put your little city back on the map, wasnt it? and personally i would love to meet johnny depp- granted it probably wont happen- but hey, its still a good fantasy. its not like i cant go gaga over him anymore. the funny part about it all?! is that youre only complaining about it now. stop trying to make yourself famous. "

Otis wrote on Mar 8, 2008 7:33 PM:

" I have no problem with Johnny Depp's anti-American sentiments. However, because he chose to spew it after he moved to France, this is one movie that will not get my money!!!! "

Barb wrote on Mar 7, 2008 8:58 PM:

" Its great that everyone is so hyped up about this great man and YAHOO lets make a movie about his great escape and the people that he killed along the way. My grandfather Mulivhill was 1 of the men that he killed. My grandfather died, leaving his wife to raise their 8 kids who were very young. I guess you don't think of the love ones, who at that time didn't have 2 incomes, who had to fend for themselves, no one came and took care of them.

So people wake up and lets stop idolizing people like Dillinger. "

Gravette wrote on Mar 7, 2008 9:17 AM:

" I think they should have a special premier in town at the Crown Theater! They could sell tickets in advance. I bet it would sell out in no time! And what a beautiful old theater to show it in. Its really exciting to see good old Crown Point back in the limelight again! "

Todd S. wrote on Mar 7, 2008 7:00 AM:

" For all of you up in a tizzy about ensuring this is a true depiction of the events...THIS IS A MOVIE!! It's Hollywood..At least they are attempting by filming parts in Lake County. If they knew anything about this god-forsaken county, they would film in Idaho or New Mexico..

When is the movie about Lake County Officials coming out...That is one I would watch. "Corruption - The story of a doomed County" "

Shame on You All wrote on Mar 6, 2008 9:22 PM:

" So ironic! Many of our past and as a matter of fact even some of our present city officials have repeatedly and publicly berated the restoration efforts of the Old Sheriff's House and former Lake County Jail! Now EVERBODY is so excited and want to bask in the impending movie excitement! Shame on all of you 2 faced public officals! "

june hadlock wrote on Mar 6, 2008 8:45 PM:

" If they were smart about it they shouldv'e came here and had try outs for the people that actually live in or near the town then go to Chicago and have try-outs. I mean why would I drive an hour or more when they are right here. Doesn't make any sence to me but then again it is show buisness. "

GVT wrote on Mar 6, 2008 1:53 PM:

" My vote for George Van Til to play Dillinger "

to june hadlock wrote on Mar 6, 2008 11:46 AM:

" They already had try-outs last saturday. "

to mattyo wrote on Mar 6, 2008 11:43 AM:

" No they will NOT be staying where you hang out all the time! Johnny Depp isnt even staying in town! They will shoot the little bit of footage they need and be in and out of town within hours! Nobody will even know when they are here because they dont want to be bothered by crazy's wanting autographs and stuff. They're here to work not hang out. Besides do you think Johnny Depp wants to be so close to the muder capital of the world? No. Get a clue people! "

Boring wrote on Mar 6, 2008 11:05 AM:

" Big Whoop. "

former resident wrote on Mar 6, 2008 9:35 AM:

" It's really sad that EC has destroyed the Bank that Dillinger held up. It was a historical land mark. EC doesn't really have any left of it and what they did have they destroyed it. That could have been something significant for EC. But too bad "

June Hadlock wrote on Mar 5, 2008 9:36 PM:

" I would like to know how to become an extra cause I am 5'1 and size 7. So I fit into that profile. If anyone knows please email me because I really don't want to drive all the way to Chicago when I am 15 min away from where they are shooting. "

ron wrote on Mar 5, 2008 8:07 PM:

" you should check out this little town two hours east of crown point. HUDSON IN ,there is a restruant called dillingers, in the old farmers state bank which was held up in 1933, bye the gang, Homer van meter, babyface, clark.the bank sits right on the corner once in side , safe is still in use,1930s look, really a cool place, with the best prime rib.and the owner of the place has open mic night on thurs.he kinda looks like Mr Depp too, but he might be better looking...dillingers Hudson In "

Johnny Depp in NWI wrote on Mar 5, 2008 2:08 PM:

" Trip very short lived...
You have a better chance to see him in France. "

HOT wrote on Mar 5, 2008 1:16 PM:

" JOHNNY DEPP IS SO HOT!!!!!! "

Elzie & Wendy Wymer wrote on Mar 5, 2008 1:03 PM:

" To Whom it may interest in the movie making business: we own the vault door to the new augusta bank that dillinger robbed. I met a neighbor of dillinger's in a nursing home where i was working, he recalled several memories and he had dated dillinger's sister for a short period of time and had original photo's. Hey Johnny Depp, give us a line. "

amazed wrote on Mar 5, 2008 12:55 PM:

" be prepared for disappointment if you think johnny depp is going to be available for everyone. he was already in town last friday and toured the building with producer maichael mann. What they film will be short and quick and porbably late at night and then they will be gone. They say depp is a private person anyway. Michael Mann made the remake of miami vice, so hopefully the movie will be as good as that. "

tb4000 wrote on Mar 5, 2008 10:42 AM:

" Let me guess, you guys are going to vote for McCain, aren't you? =P "

Ya-Hoos wrote on Mar 5, 2008 7:55 AM:

" It's almost amusing to read these messages and marvel at the star-struck ya-hoos that Hollywood affects. Depp is, indeed, a fine actor...no question. And for them to film in a historically-correct venue is a credit to the industry...no question. But you have to realize how inane you sound when you go ga-ga over this whole thing. When the film comes out, most people in this area will try to find themselves in the background and overlook the fact that Dillinger was a killer and, if given the opportunity, would have killed anyone of you if you got in his way. I would like to see who plays the police officers that gunned him down in Chicago. I'd like to get their autographs....even if they are not 'hot' like Depp. "

NOTAFAN wrote on Mar 5, 2008 7:20 AM:

" I agree with OH YEAH... How soon we fotget what he said an was going to do. Well,he should stay overseas an never look back.I could care less what he does.Maybe he will not be able to break out this time .LOL

"

Tony Stewart, author wrote on Mar 5, 2008 2:03 AM:

" The greatest concern by us authors and historians on this film is accuracy. Hollywood always seems to go after the myths rather than truth. Factuality is far more interesting and realistic. One mistake often portrayed is Public Enemy Alvin Karpis committing suicide.
I spoke with Robert Livesey (author of "On The Rock" and an authority on Karpis) on this issue and the fact is...Karpis died of an accidental overdose after turned onto pills and alcohol. Livesey knew Karpis better than anyone and received the call when Karpis died.

Sincerely,
7ony Stewart, author
Dillinger, The Hidden Truth
owner of The John Dillinger Historical Crime Museum "

oh yeah ... blah wrote on Mar 4, 2008 9:50 PM:

" Remember this is the same guy who said Americans are like puppies and he also moved overseas. I lost what repect of an actor he was when he did those things. "

Marlene aka Big Red wrote on Mar 4, 2008 8:24 PM:

" Johnny Depp is the first and ONLY artist of the theatre that I am in awe of. He makes each role his own and each is exquisitely different from the last. Although I was injured and have many health challenges for almost two years, I would travel to Baraboo/ Chicago to watch him work. Maybe I could even be an extra if they need a red haired, aging chorus girl look!!!!! "

Jake wrote on Mar 4, 2008 8:06 PM:

" Sweet.I want to get his autograph, I live in Crown Point and can walk to that sherrifs house.I'm so excited! "

maria wrote on Mar 4, 2008 1:58 PM:

" wow ! it is good
i love johnny depp soooo much ...
he is cool
johhny and marion cotillard will be perfect in this movie
i hope he will be win in ocar 2009 "

Yolanda Tamez wrote on Mar 3, 2008 7:53 PM:

" I was also there when they filmed in Hammond at the court house for the Natural Born Killers. I believe they did not use the takes. I met Oliver Stone and got his autograph back then. Was fun, alot of the other actors as well. Woody Harrelson That was pretty cool. Lived in Hammond then, now I have a shop in Crown Point. Live in St. John. Small world!!! "

MattyO wrote on Mar 3, 2008 7:47 PM:

" I live in Crown Point Indiana and I have always heard stories about John escaping from the lake county prison which I live no more than a block from. I always heard that he fashioned a fake gun from a bar of soap to make his escape. But I am very excited that the cast and crew of "Public Enemies" will be shooting in my town. They will actually be staying in a place I hang out almost every weekend. "

Todd Paul wrote on Mar 3, 2008 8:53 AM:

" i am from Mooresville,Indiana.the hometown of John Dillinger.my family owned the grociery store he robbed,that began his life of crime.His house still stands here.there is no acknowledgement anywhere in this town that he even lived here.i guess the older people aren't very proud of him being from Mooresville.i'd hope that the film makers would atleast come visit his hometown.maybe then we could let his home be turned into a museum.Like it should have been years ago. "

steven wrote on Mar 2, 2008 9:19 PM:

" This is so cool.I want his autograph! "

cindy crim wrote on Mar 2, 2008 4:54 PM:

" i will be glad to see the movie. i think anything with johnny depp will be great. "

Sharon wrote on Mar 2, 2008 4:44 PM:

" when are they going to shoot??? "

alan r. sipos wrote on Mar 2, 2008 1:44 PM:

" John Dillinger was my great uncle. I cared for his sister Rose, my grandmother and her husband Emmett Hancock in their later years and listened to my grandfathers stories about his brother in law and his short lived career. I would gladly share those personal stories about my uncle and would love to participate with any assistance you might need. My mother is the only remaining relative from the Hancock side of the family and was suprised to hear that someone else was going to do a Dillinger film. She is quite the critic when it comes to accuracy. Thank you. "

Dave Kaufman wrote on Mar 2, 2008 12:16 PM:

" Phil & Joi (Struebig)you rock with or without Johnny Depp. Sounds like it will be a great time. Good for you and Crown Point, a true American small town that preserves our country's basic morality! "

Theresa Yankauskas wrote on Mar 1, 2008 2:45 PM:

" I would love to meet Johnny Depp or at least see him in the distance. He is hot and a very good actor that I admire. I live in Valpo and work in Merrillville. I want to be an extra. "

TV wrote on Feb 29, 2008 9:03 PM:

" Fantastic!!!! "

Jeff wrote on Feb 29, 2008 6:20 PM:

" Johnny who??? "

Dawn wrote on Feb 29, 2008 5:13 PM:

" Johnny Depp couldn't have been more of a better man to pick for the role of John Dillinger...What a HOTT and SEXY man....He will make the role his own and will PLAY a better John Dillinger than John Dillinger was of himself..Way to go....Can't wait for his arrival...Watch out ladies, this gal is on the prowl. "

Ruth wrote on Feb 29, 2008 4:41 PM:

" Johnny Depp is welcome to stay at my home while filming the scene on location at the Old Sheriff's House and Jail on Main Street!!! "

Stephanie wrote on Feb 29, 2008 3:32 PM:

" It is great that they are kind of restoring the old jail, but Crown Point never left the map either. I do think that upon doing some research on Lillian Holley that I did discover some other things too. Why is it many wanted this historic builiding torn down due to the disgrace the Dillenger Escape brought to Crown Point, yet now they are welcoming this with open arms. Plus the people of Crown Point should look at what Lillian did for all of us and stop placing the blame on her. Let's thank her for the clock towers and I would say for a movie being brought to our town for a mistake under her office term. "Time sure can make one hell of a mess of things" was something Lillian said a few months after the escape in a letter to a friend. Where would the scene be if the towns men would have torn the "disgraceful" courthouse down? Shame on some of the two faced people out there in Crown Point. "

Yvonne Gooldy wrote on Feb 29, 2008 2:20 PM:

" January 30: Dillinger arrives at the Lake County Jail in Crown Point, Indiana, where reporters are captivated by his charisma and sense of humor. Dillinger poses for a photo with Prosecutor Robert Estill, and places his arm on Estill's shoulder. This scandalous photo will eventually ruin Estill's career.

As the grand-daughter of Robert G. Estill (my maiden name), the Lake County Prosecutor, 1934, I can honestly say I have been one to watch movies on him just to see who will play the part of my Grandfather. In January 1934, My Grandad flew down to Tuscon, AZ and brought Dillinger back to Crown Point to stand trial for the murder of the East Chiocago Police Officer O'Malley. Finally, though, I am excited because this brings to my hometown one of my favorite actors, Johnny Depp. Talk about a dilemma. "

P. Kullmann wrote on Feb 29, 2008 11:14 AM:

" Does anyone know if they are looking for antique cars also? Or whom to contact about that. "

Jennifer Malmquist wrote on Feb 29, 2008 9:21 AM:

" Oh my god. Johhny Depp, Rory Cochrane...and others. All in one movie. Sooooo much talent wrapped up in one film. A true dream come true for any cultured movie fan. I am sooo there tomorrow. "

Susie G. wrote on Feb 29, 2008 9:16 AM:

" This is great for Crown Point. The square is a perfect setting for nostalgic, period piece films. And it's great it will be shot on location instead of Canada or on a Hollywood set. I think it will be fun to watch the film crew shoot scenes in the area.

On the casting call website, it clearly states they are looking for men 6"1" and under and women under 5"8' and under size 12. Very tall people need not apply. "

shorteenbc wrote on Feb 29, 2008 9:15 AM:

" He's HOT! Period - nuff said :) "

gojohnnygo wrote on Feb 29, 2008 8:52 AM:

" it's gonna be great! "

Fan wrote on Feb 29, 2008 7:46 AM:

" WOW! I bet East Chicago is kicking themselves in the butt for destroying the bank. "

Beth wrote on Feb 29, 2008 7:42 AM:

" Being a Crown Point resident, I was hoping they would do a local casting call...has anyone heard anything? Seems like a waste to drive all the way to Lane Tech in Chicago, especially if they are shooting here. Please post any info. "

Nice wrote on Feb 29, 2008 7:37 AM:

" Too bad they tore down the National City Bank in EC a couple of years ago. That would have been perfect location for this movie. "

TB4000 wrote on Feb 29, 2008 7:32 AM:

" This should be pretty intense. Usually most flicks are shot in Chicago, but this should really make for some exposure this spring. Plus it'll be pretty tight to hopefully catch a glimpse of Cap'n Jack. "

Mouse... wrote on Feb 29, 2008 1:11 AM:

" Is it me, or am I the only one who's drooling here? Oh, I'm there camping out in Crown Point, baby!! I'm there! Anyone know how to become an extra in a movie? "

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