E.L. Doctorow`s acclaimed novel forms the basis of BILLY BATHGATE, which stars Loren Dean as the title character. In the New York of 1935, the naive Bronx-born teenager wangles his way into the gang of his hero, crime boss Dutch Schultz (Dustin Hoffman), as a gofer. Although the boy doesn`t know it, Schultz is approaching the end of his storied career and the Feds are closing in, hoping to put him behind bars for income-tax evasion. The youth quickly learns about the endless violence, treachery, and double-crossing that characterize mob life, such as Schultz`s cold-blooded execution of his former enforcer, Bo Weinberg (Bruce Willis). After Billy tips Dutch off about some traitorous activity in his organization, he moves up a couple of rungs and is soon entrusted with guarding the gangster`s girlfriend, Drew Preston (Nicole Kidman). This proves to be something of a problem, since the beauty has a mind of her own and doesn`t take anything from anybody, including Dutch. Worse still, Billy finds himself falling in love with her. Dean`s pivotal performance strikes just the right balance between street-smart toughness and wide-eyed wonder, and the protean Hoffman adds his explosive portrait of the ruthless, beleaguered Schultz to his long list of unforgettable roles. Steven Hill also shines as Schultz`s kindly, razor-sharp business adviser. The film features handsome, period-specific sets by Patrizia von Brandenstein and characteristically brilliant photography by legendary cinematographer Nestor Almendros (DAYS OF HEAVEN), in his last film.