The film Billy Bathgate (1991) is about a young man named Billy Behan (Loren Dean) who becomes a protégé of the infamous gangster Dutch Schultz (Dustin Hoffman) during the Prohibition era. Billy is initially drawn to Schultz's power and wealth, but he soon realizes that the gangster is a ruthless and unpredictable man.
Billy also falls in love with Schultz's mistress, Drew Preston (Nicole Kidman). Drew is attracted to Billy's youth and innocence, but she is also aware of the dangers of being involved with a gangster.
As Billy becomes closer to Schultz and Drew, he is forced to confront the dark side of the criminal world. He witnesses violence, betrayal, and death, and he begins to question his own choices.
Billy Bathgate is a coming-of-age story about a young man who is forced to grow up quickly in a dangerous and unforgiving world. It is also a cautionary tale about the dangers of ambition and the allure of power.
Bruce Willis plays Bo Weinberg, Schultz's trusted lieutenant and close friend. Bo is a complex and fascinating character. He is loyal to Schultz, but he is also sympathetic to Billy's plight. Willis gives a nuanced and understated performance that is one of the highlights of the film.
Billy Bathgate is a well-made and thought-provoking film that explores the themes of ambition, loyalty, and betrayal. It is a must-see for fans of gangster films and Bruce Willis's work.
Trailer
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Cast
- Dustin Hoffman as Arthur "Dutch Schultz" Flegenheimer
- Nicole Kidman as Drew Preston
- Loren Dean as Billy "Bathgate" Behan
- Bruce Willis as Bo Weinberg
- Steven Hill as Otto Berman
- Stanley Tucci as Charlie "Lucky" Luciano
- Mike Starr as Jules "Big Julie" Martin
- Steve Buscemi as Irving Nitzberg
- John Costelloe as Bernard "Lulu" Rosenkrantz
- Billy Jaye as Mickey Marks
- Timothy Jerome as Dixie Davis
- Stephen Joyce as James Joseph Hines
- Robert F. Colesberry as Jack Kelly
- Frances Conroy as Mary Behan, Billy's Mother
- Moira Kelly as Becky
- Kevin Corrigan as Arnold
- Xander Berkeley as Harvey Preston
- Barry McGovern as Father McInerny
- Terry Loughlin as Mr. Chambers
- Paul Herman as Dutch's Thug
- Jack Mulcahy as Fire Inspector (uncredited)
- Katharine Haughton as Charlotte
Director: Robert Benton
Writer: Tom Stoppard
Box Office Gross: $15,565,363
Distributor: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
Release Date: November 1 , 1991