Quick Summary
Public Enemies is a fact‑based crime drama that follows bank robber John Dillenger, who became America’s most wanted criminal and a public hero during the Depression, gaining notoriety across the United States. The film stars Johnny Depp and Christian Bale.
About This Program ✦
Public Enemies is a feature‑length programme classified as a crime drama. It presents a narrative that adheres closely to documented events, positioning the work firmly within the fact‑based genre. The production is designed to portray a slice of American history through a cinematic lens, focusing on a notorious figure from the 1930s. The central storyline follows John Dillinger, the infamous bank robber who rose to become the United States' most wanted outlaw. Set against the backdrop of the Great Depression, the film tracks his criminal exploits and the way he was simultaneously reviled and celebrated by the public. His notoriety and the era's turmoil drive the plot. The film features Johnny Depp and Christian Bale in leading roles. Both actors bring the historical characters to life, delivering skillful performances that align with the programme's commitment to factual representation. Their involvement adds a recognizable face to the retelling of Dillinger's story, anchoring the narrative in recognizable talent for viewers and audiences today. Through its focus on Dillinger's rise, the programme illustrates how a single individual could capture the nation's imagination during a period of economic hardship. By highlighting his status as both a criminal and a folk hero, the drama underscores the complex relationship between law enforcement, media, and public sentiment in the Depression era.
Public Enemies broadcasts on Film4 +1 at 1:40am, Thursday, 5 February 2026. (Subtitles)


