John Dillinger was a prolific bank robber who gained international acclaim for his daring exploits. What made Dillinger different from his peers was his charisma and wit.
Dillinger’s celebrity status occurred shortly after his capture in Tucson, Arizona in January of 1934. Upon his transfer by plane from Arizona, after being shackled to a seat, he quipped, “Guys, I don’t jump from these things.”
Upon his arrival at Chicago’s Midway Airport he was greeted by a throng of site-seers, media from around the globe and an army of police officers and national guardsmen. He was treated with the reference of a movie star at a premiere. Never was his celebrity status more evident than during his unprecedented press conference at the so-called “Escape-Proof” Crown Point Jail.
John scoffed at the notion that Sheriff Lillian Holley’s jail was escape proof and went on to state he would escape. He explained, “A jail is like a nut with a worm in it.”
It’s interesting to note that even during the press conference he was able to charm both the sheriff and prosecutor.
Please take note of how John holds his right hand.
He was also plotting his escape with a hand signal. According to gang member, Mary Kinder, this pre-arranged signal was to be used in front of media photographers to signal a specific call to action.
The famous wooden gun.
The plan would come to a head on the morning of March 3rd, as John proved his boast of escape. He bluffed his way out using a wooden gun. After locking up the jail trustees, guards and warden, he made his escape.
Dillinger, as he often did, had a flair for dramatics and decided to leave in the sheriff’s car while singing.
John, ever charismatic, often enjoyed singing. "Git Along, Little Dogies" and "The Last Round-Up" are two songs he reportedly sang during his escape in the sheriff’s car.