ANA plays a bit part in new Speilberg/Hanks film
The American Numismatic Association Money Museum supplied several French franc notes from the 1960s for use in Steven Spielberg’s newest film, Catch Me If You Can, starring Tom Hanks and Leonardo DiCaprio.
Set for release on December 25, the film follows Frank W. Abagnale Jr., played by DiCaprio, as a young con man being pursued by FBI agent Joe Shaye, played by Hanks. Abagnale, the youngest person to be listed on the FBI’s “Ten Most Wanted” list, was hunted for cashing $2.5 million worth of phony checks from 1964-70 and for impersonating an airline pilot, doctor, stockbroker, college professor and Louisiana associate attorney general.
Wanting to maintain accuracy, Dreamworks-SGK film-makers contacted the ANA seeking 5-and 10-franc notes, which were to be used by Hanks’ character to bribe a guard in a French jail where Abagnale was being held. France, along with 11 other European nations, has abandoned its national currency for the euro, making it difficult for films set before last January to find contemporary, historically-accurate material.
Regardless of how long the franc notes appear in the film – and it could be very brief – some numismatists will be watching to make certain the money is correct for the time period.
Originally Release Date: December 3, 2002
ANA Contacts: Phone: 719-482-9872
Email: pr@money.org