Billy Bathgate is a 1991 film directed by Robert Benton, based on the novel of the same name by E.L. Doctorow. The film is set in 1930s New York and is a crime thriller that blends gangsterism, intrigue, and drama. 

Plot

The film follows the story of Billy Bathgate (played by Loren Dean), an ambitious young man who dreams of entering the world of organized crime. Billy catches the eye of Dutch Schultz (played by Dustin Hoffman), a notorious New York gangster, and is recruited as his apprentice.

Billy becomes part of Dutch Schultz's violent and ruthless world of crime, witnessing murders, kidnappings, and intrigues. He also meets Drew Preston (played by Nicole Kidman), Schultz's lover, and begins to engage in a secret relationship with her.

The plot unfolds as Billy tries to climb the ranks of the criminal underworld but must contend with Schultz's growing paranoia and instability. Tensions rise as Billy finds himself in the midst of a war between rival gangs and must decide which side to align with.

"Billy Bathgate" provides a fascinating look into the criminal world of the 1930s and features compelling performances from the cast. The film blends drama, crime, and suspense, offering an engaging narrative of Billy's journey as he tries to find his place in Dutch Schultz's dangerous realm.

Complete Cast:

• Dustin Hoffman as Dutch Schultz
• Nicole Kidman as Drew Preston
• Loren Dean as Billy Bathgate
• Bruce Willis as Bo Weinberg
• Steven Hill as Otto Berman
• Stanley Tucci as Lucky Luciano
• Billy Jaye as Lulu Rosenkrantz
• Steve Buscemi as Irving
• Director: Robert Benton

Producer: Arlene Donovan

Writer: Tom Stoppard (based on the novel by E.L. Doctorow)

Music by: Mark Isham

Cinematographer: Néstor Almendros

Production Cost: Not publicly disclosed.

Box Office: Approximately $15.5 million worldwide at the box office.

Awards: It did not win major awards but received some nominations.

Critics' Reception: "Billy Bathgate" received mixed reviews. While some performances, particularly that of Dustin Hoffman, were praised, the film was criticized for not living up to the original novel's material. The direction and screenplay were critiqued for not fully capturing the complexity and depth of the book.