During the Great Depression, bank robbers become folk heroes among a public that distrusts banks and the law. After a deadly shootout in Kansas City, FBI agent Melvin Purvis resolves to hunt down the most wanted outlaws himself, while John Dillinger, surrounded by his gang and with Billie Frechette at his side, pulls off increasingly bold robberies.

How it was made

John Milius wrote and directed the film in his directorial debut, produced by Samuel Z. Arkoff and Lawrence Gordon for American International Pictures, with Warren Oates in the title role. The technical advisor was Clarence Hurt, a retired FBI agent who had taken part in the final shootout with Dillinger. The film mixes in documentary imagery and period footage, aiming for the feel of a chronicle of its era.

Reception and legacy

It was released on June 19, 1973. Critics responded well and it was a commercial success. It spawned two made-for-TV spin-offs directed by Dan Curtis, Melvin Purvis: G-Man (1974) and The Kansas City Massacre (1975), both starring Dale Robertson as Purvis.

Stills

Trailer

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Trivia

A text by J. Edgar Hoover

The FBI director had been scheduled to read a denunciation of gangster films for the movie, but died before production began. The message is delivered by voice actor Paul Frees after the end credits.

An adviser who was there

Clarence Hurt, a retired agent who took part in the final shootout against Dillinger, served as the film's technical advisor.

More films by John Milius

Conan the Barbarian1982

Red Dawn1984

The Wind and the Lion1975

Big Wednesday1978

Flight of the Intruder1991

Original Cinematopedia text based on Wikipedia (en) and Wikidata.