Watch Dillinger

Dillinger is a thrilling crime drama film from 1945 that follows the life of John Dillinger, one of America's most notorious bank robbers during the Great Depression era. Directed by Max Nosseck and starring Lawrence Tierney as John Dillinger, Edmund Lowe as Special Agent Purvis and Anne Jeffreys as his girlfriend, Polly Hamilton, the movie depicts Dillinger's rise to infamy and his ultimate downfall.

The story begins with John Dillinger getting released from prison in 1933 after serving time for a bank robbery. Shortly after, he returns to his criminal ways, unleashing a string of successful bank heists in the Midwest. Dillinger quickly becomes a celebrity among the public, with many seeing him as a modern-day Robin Hood, taking from the wealthy banks to give back to the struggling working-class people.

The FBI, led by Special Agent Purvis, make it their mission to capture Dillinger and bring him to justice. Purvis is portrayed as a determined and skilled agent who will go to great lengths to catch Dillinger. Purvis and his team are able to get a lead on Dillinger's whereabouts and manage to corner him in a theater, leading to a tense shootout and Dillinger's escape.

Dillinger soon meets Polly Hamilton, played by Anne Jeffreys, and the two begin a passionate romance. Polly is aware of Dillinger's criminal activities but is unable to resist her love for him. Their relationship is interrupted when Dillinger is arrested and sent to prison.

While in prison, Dillinger learns of the death of his friend, Pretty Boy Floyd. This leads him to plan his escape and gather a team for his next big heist, stealing money from the state police headquarters. The heist is a success, but it also puts a target squarely on Dillinger's back.

The FBI continue their hunt for Dillinger, using a combination of surveillance and informants to track him down. After being betrayed by one of his associates, Dillinger is finally caught and brought to justice in a dramatic shootout outside the Biograph Theater in Chicago.

The movie ends with Special Agent Purvis reflecting on the events that led to Dillinger's capture, and the sacrifices that were made along the way. It is a powerful and gripping tale of a criminal mastermind whose legend lives on in American folklore.

Overall, Dillinger is an exceptional movie that skillfully combines action, romance, and drama. Lawrence Tierney delivers a standout performance as John Dillinger, capturing the character's charisma and swagger while also showcasing his ruthless and dangerous side. The supporting performances by Edmund Lowe and Anne Jeffreys are equally impressive.

The film's direction, pacing, and cinematography are all top-notch, making for a captivating viewing experience. The movie accurately depicts the time period, with authentic costumes, sets, and locations. The score is also notable, with classic period piece music and strong emphasis on percussion.

In summary, Dillinger is a masterpiece of classic Hollywood cinema, and a must-see for fans of film noir, true crime, and action dramas. It is a classic example of how storytelling, direction, and acting can come together to create a film that stands the test of time.

Dillinger is a 1945 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 10 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5.