OFFBEAT: Reader wants answer about Dillinger's jail break 'gun'

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

Depp film crews leave Crown Point

CROWN POINT | Leave the cameras, sleeping bags and lawn chairs at home, folks.

Four Times employees taking part in 'Public Enemies' movie shoot

What fan of the movies hasn't looked up at the big screen with a dream of being on it, trading lines with De Niro or Hanks or Leo? Or Johnny Depp?

Here's Johnny!

CROWN POINT | When filming wrapped for the day Tuesday, Johnny Depp might not have given his fans all they wanted -- but he gave them all he had.

Crime may not pay, but for some movie does

CROWN POINT | Star gazers from across the country spent Monday hoping for a glimpse of Johnny Depp and spending their money in Crown Point restaurants around the square, but apparently staying away from the city's antique and specialty stores.

C.P. banking bucks from Dillinger movie

CROWN POINT | The city will make an estimated $28,608 from the filming of the movie "Public Enemies."

Fans still buzzing over Depp sightings

CROWN POINT | The crowd gathered early Tuesday morning on Crown Point's Main Street to watch the filming of the movie "Public Enemies" was a bit thinner than the previous day.

Evidence points to 'Enemies' invasion

CROWN POINT | The lighting rigs, street barricades and makeup mirrors gave away the truth Sunday: a piece of downtown Crown Point now is a movie set.

Woman recalls 1934 E.C. robbery

There are moments that stand out in people's memories, and at 87 years old, Highland resident Ruth Barton has quite a few to sift through. But there's one memory that stands out in such great detail that her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren marvel that she remembers its specifics.

Local law officers in spotlight in `Public Enemies'

Look for the "Public Enemies" cast and crew to descend on Crown Point early next week. And Johnny Depp, starring as Depression-era gangster John Dillinger, will be in good company.

Film should tell true story of Public Enemy No. 1

Everyone is waiting for Johnny Depp to come to Crown Point this week to film his John Dillinger flick, some eagerly and others anxiously.

Crime a claim to fame for some

Crown Point has mixed feelings about John Dillinger, the infamous robber who embarrassed local officials by escaping from the "inescapable" Lake County Jail.

Lili Taylor leads latest names in 'Public Enemies'

A Hollywood beauty and two Chicago actors will play regionites linked to John Dillinger's 1934 escape from Lake County Jail.

Region prepares for Hollywood

CROWN POINT | Hollywood could roll into Crown Point as early as Saturday, according to an agreement between the city and Universal Studios signed at a special Board of Works meeting Thursday.

Crown Point preparing for Hollywood

CROWN POINT | Hollywood could roll into Crown Point as early as Saturday, according to an agreement between the city and Universal Studios signed at a special Board of Works meeting Thursday morning.

Veteran cop recalls old jail

CROWN POINT | If the Lake County Jail guards in Universal Pictures' "Public Enemy" aren't wearing police uniforms, then Hollywood took the advice of a retired local police officer.

Fans in Wisconsin town give glimpse of what may be in store for region

COLUMBUS, Wis. | The fake snow looked just like real snow, only cleaner.

Hammond nearly starred in movie

Fresh off the Academy Awards comes word of a local casting call for extras for the movie "Public Enemies" starring Johnny Depp as John Dillinger, the Indianapolis-born, small-time crook who became U.S. public enemy No. 1 in the 1930s. Filming is scheduled this spring in Crown Point and other…

Meet actor Val Kilmer in Chicago

Mingling with stars

Extras, extras! Read all about it

Extra, extra! Director Michael Mann is seeking extras for "Public Enemies," the Universal film starring Johnny Depp as notorious Depression-era gangster John Dillinger.