Billy Bathgate (1991)

In the year 1935, a teen named Billy Bathgate finds first love while becoming the protégé of fledgling gangster Dutch Schultz.

Director:

Robert Benton

Writers:

E.L. Doctorow (book), Tom Stoppard (screenplay)

Stars:

Dustin Hoffman, Nicole Kidman, Loren Dean

Nominated for 1 Golden Globe. Another 2 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Dustin Hoffman	...	Dutch Schultz
Nicole Kidman	...	Drew Preston
Loren Dean	...	Billy Bathgate
Bruce Willis	...	Bo Weinberg
Steven Hill	...	Otto Berman
Steve Buscemi	...	Irving
Billy Jaye	...	Mickey
John Costelloe	...	Lulu
Timothy Jerome	...	Dixie Davis (as Tim Jerome)
Stanley Tucci	...	Lucky Luciano
Mike Starr	...	Julie Martin
Robert F. Colesberry	...	Jack Kelly
Stephen Joyce	...	Mr. Hines
Frances Conroy	...	Mary Behan - Billy's Mother
Moira Kelly	...	Rebecca

Storyline

Based loosely on the organized crime syndicates of the 20's and 30's, Billy Bathgate is the story of a young man's rise from gopher to right hand man in Dutch Schultz' gang. Having been impressed by the youth, Schultz takes him under his wing so to speak. Billy soon finds himself in a world where wealth and fortune live next door to danger and death.

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Plot Keywords:

waterfall | lake | female full frontal nudity | 1930s | based on true story | 

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Taglines:

In 1935, a New York kid was looking for a hero. He found Dutch Schultz.

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Genres:

Crime | Drama | Thriller

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for some gangster violence, and for language

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

1 November 1991 (USA)

Also Known As:

Billy Bathgate - A scuola di gangster

Filming Locations:

Durham, North Carolina, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$48,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$4,051,590, 3 November 1991, Wide Release

Gross USA:

$15,965,919

Company Credits

Production Co:

Touchstone Pictures,Touchwood Pacific Partners 1

Technical Specs

Runtime:

106 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color (DuArt)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The film was released two years after its source novel by E.L. Doctorow was published.

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Goofs

When Drew Preston is walking with Billy Bathgate and takes his hand, the close-up shows her hand is on the front. In the next shot, her hand behind his and facing to the rear.

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Quotes

[first lines]
Bo Weinberg: [being tied up] What do you think, Irving? Makes this cheap dago move on me, Bo Weinberg. The man who took out @Vincent Coll. The man who held Jack Diamond's ears so he could put the gun in his mouth. Who found the rackets he was to *stupid* to find for himself, who made him something more than the lowdown fucking guy that he is! The schmuck, I should expect something else. He pulls me off the the street right in front of my girl, like he don't know no better. Schmuck!
Dutch Schultz: Don't talk to...
[...]

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Connections

References Bright Eyes (1934)

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Soundtracks

Who
Music by Jerome Kern

User Reviews

An under estimated bit of excellence

This film went somewhat Quietly into the shelf for most. If you haven't seen it, your missing a good watch! Chalked full of some of the most famous names in the film industry, it's a very subtle comparison to Scar Face. However there is Much less glamorization of the under world, and certainly a closer reality of life, luck and love. Dustin Hoffman (Dutch Schultz) at his finest, and Bruce Willis (Bo Weinberg) with his classic suave, coolness. Nicole Kidman (Drew Preston), Stanley Tucci (Lucky Luciano) and John Costello (Lulu) also deserve a thumbs up here. But your attention will certainly remain with a supreme performance by Loren Dean ( Billy Bathgate). I am still wondering why we haven't seen much more of this kid? Turn off the phone, Dim the lights, grab all you favorite snacks, get comfy and ready to leave your world behind for a while. You'll want to see this one without any interruptions.