Exclusive: HollywoodChicago.com Photographs Biograph Set For John Dillinger Killing in ‘Public Enemies’

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CHICAGO – The Biograph Theater on Lincoln Avenue is an iconic and historical Chicago landmark. As has been well documented in our active “Public Enemies” discussion thread, the area is currently made over by the production team for the film “Public Enemies” to how it looked the night of July 22, 1934.

It was the night when John Dillinger (played by Johnny Depp in the film) was killed by the FBI. The film that was showing at the theater that night was the classic 1934 film “Manhattan Melodrama” with Clark Gable.” The Biograph is still in use for stageplays. These HollywoodChicago.com pictures were photographed on May 23, 2008. Thanks to reader Gerry Bakker for the tip.

Image A: The front view of the recreated marquee.
Image B: The front view of the recreated marquee.
Image C: The theater entrance with the 1930s box office and movie poster.
Image D: The sidewalk view approaching the theater with 1930s businesses.
Image E: Looking north up the street with the theater.
Image F: Looking south immediately right of the theater.
Image G: A recreated 1930s clothing store.
Image H: The window of a recreated 1930s bakery.
Image I: Close-up prices of baked goods in the window of a bakery.
Image J: More 1930s street signage.
Image K: The front of a fake 1930s hotel.
Image L: Finally, to add the ultimate 1930s Chicago street reality, the rubberized bricks and tracks of a fake streetcar line.

See our 36-image “Public Enemies” slideshow with high-quality stills.
Video: Watch the “Public Enemies” trailer now!

By PATRICK McDONALD Staff Writer HollywoodChicago.com pat@hollywoodchicago.com