EAA Oshkosh Stars with Johnny Depp in New Film
By Scott Spangler on April 24th, 2008Few events rival EAA AirVenture in capturing the attention of residents here in Oshkosh and nearby towns. The filming of Michael Mann’s Public Enemies, starring Johnny Depp as John Dillinger, has come close.
Like AirVenture, traffic had to follow new routes around town and locals crowded Main Street establishments hoping to catch a glimpse of visiting celebrities. And like the annual aviation gathering, EAA and Wittman Regional Airport played a key role in the event, which wrapped up its visit here last Friday.
Repainted in American Airways livery, EAA’s 1929 Ford Tri-Motor played the airliner that carried Dillinger, in FBI custody, from Arizona to Chicago. Don’t look for an N-number. With FAA approval, it flew without one.
Joining the Ford on the set, but not in the air, period aircraft from EAA’s collection enriched the feeling of aviation in the 1930s. Look for the Pitcarin PA-7S Mailwing, Fairchild FC-2, Travel Air E-4000, and Waco RNF.
Basler Flight Services’ brick hangar stands in for Chicago Municipal Airport, now Chicago Midway. The white EAA Pioneer Airport hangar and its Lone Rock Flight Service Station were the sets for intermediate stops.
A number of friends landed roles in the film. In period uniforms, EAA’s Sean Elliott, director of flight operations, and George Daubner took turns in the Ford’s left seat during the air-to-air missions over Lake Winnebago. Computers will put the Chicago skyline in the background.
As curator of the AirVenture Museum’s collection, Ron Twellman provided set decorations beyond maps, wings, and radios. He’s the mustachioed radio operator at the Lone Rock Service Station. He was cast at the last minute, and he filmed his scene at midnight.
Universal Studios will release Public Enemies in July 2009, just in time for EAA AirVenture. I predict long lines at Oshkosh’s Marcus Theaters, and I’ll probably be in it, curious to see what and who makes it past the cutting room floor. — Scott Spangler
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April 24th, 2008 at 4:35 pm
Johnny Depp and airplanes… cool!