Question 1

Why did Disney's Jeffrey Katzenberg choose to produce Billy Bathgate over Warren Beatty's Bugsy?

Accepted Answer

Disney head Jeffrey Katzenberg opted for Billy Bathgate instead of Bugsy because he thought Beatty's film was too expensive at $40 million. Ironically, Billy Bathgate ultimately cost $50 million and grossed only $15 million in the US.

Question 2

How did Dustin Hoffman's age compare to the real Dutch Schultz?

Accepted Answer

At fifty-four, Dustin Hoffman was more than 20 years older than the real Dutch Schultz was when he was killed.

Question 3

What historical event does Billy Bathgate accurately recreate?

Accepted Answer

The film remains one of the most accurate re-creations of the Chophouse Massacre that killed Dutch Schultz and several of his men.

Question 4

What was the relationship between author E.L. Doctorow and the film adaptation?

Accepted Answer

E.L. Doctorow distanced himself from the film due to extensive deviations from his book.

Question 5

What behind-the-scenes conflict required Disney's head to intervene?

Accepted Answer

Reports streamed from the set about protracted arguments between Dustin Hoffman and director Robert Benton, prompting Disney head Jeffrey Katzenberg to personally intervene.

Question 6

Why did Disney's Jeffrey Katzenberg choose to produce Billy Bathgate over Warren Beatty's Bugsy?

Accepted Answer

Jeffrey Katzenberg opted for Billy Bathgate instead of Bugsy because he thought Beatty's film was too expensive at $40 million, though Billy Bathgate ultimately cost $50 million and grossed only $15 million in the US.

Question 7

How does Dustin Hoffman's age compare to the real Dutch Schultz?

Accepted Answer

Dustin Hoffman was 54 when playing Dutch Schultz, more than 20 years older than the real Schultz was when he was killed.

Question 8

What historical event is Billy Bathgate noted for accurately recreating?

Accepted Answer

The film is one of the most accurate re-creations of the Chophouse Massacre, which killed Dutch Schultz and several of his men.

Question 9

What was a notable conflict during the filming of Billy Bathgate?

Accepted Answer

Reports detailed protracted arguments between Dustin Hoffman and director Robert Benton, requiring Disney head Jeffrey Katzenberg to intervene on-set.

Question 10

Who plays the teen protagonist Billy Bathgate in the film?

Accepted Answer

Loren Dean portrays the character Billy Bathgate, a teen who becomes the protégé of gangster Dutch Schultz in 1935.

Billy Bathgate

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