Courts help set scene for Public Enemies

Public Enemies star Johnny Depp shakes hands with Lafayette County Sheriff Scott Pedley, as other county and court staff look on. (Photo by Hillary Dickerson, Republican Journal)

When the crew of Public Enemies showed up, the Lafayette County Courthouse and court staff were ready for their close-up.

Filming began in Columbus on St. Patrick's Day. On March 18 through 20, scenes were shot at the historic courthouse in Darlington. Court system staff in Madison also had a close-up view of filming, which took place at the State Capitol in early May.

District Five Court Administrator Gail Richardson was on the set in the Lafayette County Courthouse and shared her observations with The Third Branch.

Lafayette County Clerk of Court Kitty McGowen is all dolled up for her role as an extra in the film Public Enemies. (Photo by Gail Richardson)

Director Michael Mann selects the perfect tie for film star Christian Bale outside the State Capitol. Bale plays the role of F.B.I. agent Melvin Purvis.

Extras line up outside the historic Darlington courthouse before shooting begins inside. (Photo by Hillary Dickerson, Republican Journal)

The movie, produced and directed by UW-Madison alumnus Michael Mann, is based on the life of notorious criminal John Dillinger. The Darlington courthouse was used to film a bail hearing scene. Lafayette County elected officials, including Circuit Court Judge William Johnston and Clerk of Court Kitty McGowen, were given roles as unpaid extras in the scene. District Five Court Reporter Ellen Weisling was given the role of court reporter after an employee of the casting firm was given her name by his aunt, who works in the Dane County District Attorney's Office.

On the first day in Darlington, the crew set about the task of transforming the courthouse into something out of the 1930s, using photographs from the time period for reference.

Because CCAP would be over 60 years in the making, all modern equipment, including computers, furniture, lighting and décor had to be removed. Everything was replaced with 1930's replicas, including an old stenographer's machine, which Weisling used to record everything said by the actors, just as she would do in a real courtroom.

The second day got off to an early start, with extras arriving at the municipal building at 5 a.m. for wardrobe and make-up, before heading across the street to the courthouse for filming. "It took about two hours to do my hair," Weisling told The Capital Times. "I think they glammed me up way too much." The day was spent rehearsing and filming what will amount to about three minutes of footage in the final film.

Richardson said she now understands why there are so many names listed in the credits of every movie.

"The third floor of the courthouse bustled like an ant hill. Technical crew, make-up and hair specialists, costumers, caterers and on and on. All day long, people were quickly coming and going, unless told to stay put like the stand-ins who represented people such as the judge, sheriff and Dillinger for lighting and sound checks. And then the bustle stops cold when it's shouted, 'No talking - we're shooting!' Unlike what I have seen in the movies, no one shouted, 'Quiet on the set'."

After filming the courtroom scene, the crew moved in to the rotunda, where a scene was shot of Dillinger being brought in to the courtroom.

"Amazing, how quickly the crew set up and removed the equipment," Johnston said.

The court staff was allowed to watch the filming from the background. Some courthouse staff from other departments were even able to shake hands and take pictures with the film's star. After shooting was complete, Mann and Depp were presented with a key to the city of Darlington, and county and city officials got a chance to meet with the two and take photos. Unfortunately for Richardson and the court staff, they were not in the right place at the right time.

On the last day, the crew worked to restore the courthouse to the 21st century, bringing back in furniture and equipment. Universal Studios is covering any costs associated with the filming, including extra hours for custodial, maintenance and security staff, as well as any cleanup and repairs. The county was able to keep the wooden blinds and replica light fixtures that were installed for the filming.

"The lighting and window dressing retained give the circuit court room a historic look which we hope to retain," Johnston said. "This will make the courthouse, and the courtroom, even more of a tourist destination."

Film stars Christian Bale and Billy Crudup (who plays J. Edgar Hoover) shake hands in a scene shot on the steps of the State Capitol.

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