Public Enemies
Needless to say, banks were not highly thought of at that time. Between 1933 and 1934, John Dillinger's crime sprees monopolized the headlines, and he and his band of gangsters were regarded as celebrities – almost heros – due to the "ogre-esque" reputation of banks during those dismal economic times. People would eagerly await and seek out stories of Dillinger, Baby Face Nelson and others and the escapades of depression-era gangsters sold a heck of a lot of newspapers. Dillinger himself claimed not to be as bad as he was made out to be by the FBI and the gangster movement's actions were justified as stealing from the bankers who stole from the people. Some outlaws were actually polite, handsome and even photogenic. Gangsters became the Robin Hoods of the times, usually intentionally destroying mortgage records at banks they hit, saving multitudes from foreclosure.
Dillinger and his gang escaped the law in this historic event, but not without the lodge receiving its share of damage from gunfire there.
For you history buffs, Billy wants you to know that Little Bohemia is only a half hour's drive from the cabin and one of the restaurants you will definitely want to dine at during your visit. I personally invite you to go there, myself. I was so impressed by the warmth and friendliness, that I think you should experience it, too. The delicious food, the cozy, inviting lodge and its rare history will definitely make for a memorable part of your Wisconsin getaway. Enjoy the Public Enemies trailers/videos we've provided to get a peek at this movie. Visit Little Bohemia Restaurant's website to view their menu, get directions and read the entire story of John Dillinger's stay at Little Bohemia.
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Public Enemies is a movie starring Johnny Depp and Christian Bale. The thriller/crime drama was shot in Wisconsin with an historic scene being shot at the Little Bohemia Restaurant in Manitowish Waters. On my recent visit 
It was the 1930's and America was steeped in despair at the height of the depression. Hundreds of thousands had lost their jobs, their homes and it was a not uncommon occurrence for people to lose absolutely everything they had. Many banks failed, taking with them the life savings of hard-working families. Those banks that survived, proceeded at an alarming rate to foreclose on homes, farms and businesses. 
After a crime spree in 1934, John Dillinger and his gang sought refuge at the Little Bohemia Lodge for cover and for rest. They stayed there for several days, playing cards, eating and hiding out. It was only when a tip made from a phone booth by the lodge owner's wife, Nan Wanatka that the FBI descended upon the gang there. Heavy snow reduced visibility and several innocent patrons were subject to open-fire by the trigger-happy FBI. One completely innocent patron was killed, while Dillinger and his gang fled unscathed.
The exciting thing about this story is that in the 2009 movie, Public Enemies, this scene is actually re-enacted at the same place it originally occurred. The restaurant is still operating, although ownership has changed hands since that time. I know from personal experience that the current owners are extremely friendly (hey! it's Wisconsin after all) and the tastefully decorated, well-maintained restaurant looks as though it has kept its same cozy, inviting appearance throughout the years. I was pleasantly surprised at the items on their menu. They are very reasonably priced and include mouth-watering dishes like tender, juicy steaks, succulent seafood and delicious broasted chicken. 
The wood-paneled walls are adorned with small-paned windows that overlook the lake, as well as bric-a-brac from the era and Northwoods taxidermy. Soft lamplight sets a warm glow about the several dining rooms and the fireplace adds its alluring warmth to the ambience. Amid this inviting, comfortable setting however is evidence of the Dillinger event. The bullet holes have been preserved for their historic value and sitting there, you can almost envision Dillinger's getaway from that bygone era. Ahem, his Wisconsin getaway . . . yes, I intended that pun.
Public Enemies is scheduled for release in 2009. Award-winning Christian Bale (Batman, The Machinist, Reign of Fire, etc.) portrays Melvin Purvis, an FBI Bureau chief and Johnny Depp (Pirates of the Caribbean, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Edward Scissorhands, etc.) plays Dillinger. Depp has been nominated for several Oscars and has had 47 other nominations with 35 wins. This movie is directed by Michael Mann (producer of Hancock, The Kingdom, The Aviator and Collateral, among others.) Given all this amazing talent and today's economy, Public Enemies is destined to be an important film in our times.