The story of " Public Enemies " primarily follows the true-life exploits of , a charismatic bank robber who became America's first "Public Enemy Number One" during the Great Depression . Directed by Michael Mann, the 2009 film adaptation is based on Bryan Burrough's non-fiction book, Public Enemies: America's Greatest Crime Wave and the Birth of the FBI, 1933–34 . Plot Summary
The film was noted for its commitment to authenticity, shooting at several actual locations where historical events occurred. Public Enemies
: As his associates like Baby Face Nelson and Pretty Boy Floyd are killed, Dillinger becomes increasingly isolated. After a failed ambush at the Little Bohemia Lodge , Dillinger is eventually betrayed by an acquaintance, Anna Sage (the "Woman in Red"). He is shot and killed by federal agents on July 22, 1934, outside the Biograph Theater in Chicago. Historical Sites Featured The story of " Public Enemies " primarily
: Dillinger falls in love with Billie Frechette (Marion Cotillard), a coat check girl who becomes his inseparable partner despite the mounting danger. : As his associates like Baby Face Nelson
: J. Edgar Hoover (Billy Crudup) uses the hunt for Dillinger to elevate the profile of his fledgling Bureau of Investigation (later the FBI). He assigns ace agent Melvin Purvis (Christian Bale) to lead the manhunt using modern techniques like fingerprints and wiretapping.