Steam & Excursion > Steam locomotives in PUBLIC ENEMIES

I just returned from watching Public Enemies. Of course, I only went to see the 261 in Chicago Union Station. But surprisingly, there's a cameo from U.P. 844 later on. I didn't know about that.
844 is just standing, but it shows up well from an overhead angle shot.
261 makes a very close approach to the camera as it's pulling to a stop in the station.
If you like old radios, there's a few of them, too, but the period of the radios is not a lot closer than that of the steam locomotives shown, as the story period is 1934, '35. One radio is definitely 1939 and the 261 is 1944. 844 is also, I think.
But never mind that. Other than it's a 2:20 or so long movie, the story is good and doesn't go slow. Worth watching, if for no other reason than real steam.
Mark D.

Good to know, I was wondering if the scene would make the cut. I saw it in a preview many months ago, but nothing in recent previews.

Thanks for the info -

Nancy Carlson

Mark,

I'd wager that the UP 844 is completely computer generated. The execution and angle of that scene, and the locomotive itself seemed very suspect -- I need another look at the running gear, but I recall it looking pretty "iffy." [Alternatively, with the 844 being out and about so much, a second unit could have set up shop nearby and coordinated the shoot, but I digress...] I wouldn't be surprised if it wasn't completely fabricated, which is contrast to the 261's impressive cameo appearance, which didn't likely stand a chance of meeting the cutting room floor, as it was pretty essential to the plot in terms of introducing more characters to the film. Now, did Universal get UP's permission to use their engine's image? ;]

However, there's something to be said for the likenesses of two mainline excursion locomotives in the same major modern feature.



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 07/01/09 22:22 by nathansixchime.

Here is a scan of one of my slides from the day the filming was done in Chicago Union Station. I had never been on a movie set before and the preparation and detail was amazing. It was fun being a part of making it all happen.

Silver Sky

---

nathansixchime Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Mark,
>
> I'd wager that the UP 844 is completely computer
> generated. The execution and angle of that scene,
> and the locomotive itself seemed very suspect -- I
> need another look at the running gear, but I
> recall it looking pretty "iffy." I wouldn't be
> surprised if it wasn't completely fabricated,
> which is contrast to the 261's impressive cameo
> appearance, which didn't likely stand a chance of
> meeting the cutting room floor, as it was pretty
> essential to the plot in terms of introducing more
> characters to the film. Now, did Universal get
> UP's permission to use their engine's image? ;]
>
> However, there's something to be said for the
> likenesses of two mainline excursion locomotives
> in the same major modern feature.

I thought about that while I was looking at it on the screen, and decided that while it could have been computer generated, why would they do that for a shot they could get for real for very little cost after spending so much to get the shots of 261 in Chicago. I couldn't tell for sure either way, but logic said they just took an elevated view from the top of a building.
And it did seem pretty real anyway.
In any case, that movie is long but worth seeing.
Mark D.

I agree. Something just didn't look right with 844 scene.

The 261 scene was impressive indeed.

"Public Enemies" got just an OK rating from me.

ChrisB

nathansixchime Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Mark,
>
> I'd wager that the UP 844 is completely computer
> generated. The execution and angle of that scene,
> and the locomotive itself seemed very suspect -- I
> need another look at the running gear, but I
> recall it looking pretty "iffy." I wouldn't be
> surprised if it wasn't completely fabricated,
> which is contrast to the 261's impressive cameo
> appearance, which didn't likely stand a chance of
> meeting the cutting room floor, as it was pretty
> essential to the plot in terms of introducing more
> characters to the film. Now, did Universal get
> UP's permission to use their engine's image? ;]
>
> However, there's something to be said for the
> likenesses of two mainline excursion locomotives
> in the same major modern feature.