Depp, Bale in Chicago for movie premiere

June 18, 2009 (CHICAGO) (WLS) -- Johnny Depp and Christian Bale will be in Chicago Thursday night - for the premiere of their latest film, "Public Enemies."

Based on the life of John Dillinger, much of the movie was filmed in Chicago last spring and summer. It brought in millions of dollars for Illinois. The state's Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity says it generated $46.7 million for Illinois.

The film created more than 1,000 cast and crew jobs for workers throughout the state. And more than 1,700 residents were hired as extras.

"Public Enemies" hits theaters nationwide July 1.

Thursday night's special screening is at the AMC River East Theatre in Chicago. The celebrities are scheduled to arrive around 6 p.m.

About 70 years after Dillinger pumped anybody who got in his way full of lead, the movie about the bank robber's life pumped millions into the Illinois economy.

The Illinois Film Office says the movie brought more money into the state than any other before.

Even Batman was no match for Dillinger. The $46.7 million the film generated for the state is more than $6 million more than what the filming of "The Dark Knight" meant to Illinois in 2007.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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