Dillinger and some of the others underwent pretty grueling plastic surgery to try to alter their appearances. They even tried to "erase" their finger prints. OUCH!

What thoughts do you have about their level of desperation, fear?

I just found that so strange for some reason. Dillinger expecially seemed to enjoy the press, but maybe as the FBI was becoming more agressive, they thought that "hiding" their appearance would allow them a little break from being in hiding all the time. I guess I would call it desperation----the "try anything" attitude to prevent the inevitable....

-Donna

It reminds me of the criminals in Once Upon A Time In Mexico.

It does remind me of OUATIM and I agree Donna that Dillinger knew his days were numbered and Burroughs relates that he realized the nomadic life was no longer safe (p.363) so the surgical procedures seemed like a way to buy more time. Dillinger seemed to believe that the procedure worked because he was not careful the last few days of his life. The description of the surgical procedure is on pages 365-367 and was quite an unpleasant and dangerous experience. Anne r

I was surprised that there were no reports of nasty infections.

It made me wonder if Johnny ever thought of doing that, just so he could live a normal life....go out and about and not be bombarded by fans and paparazzi.