As we take a walk In the Footsteps of Willie Sutton we become energized by the thrill of pulling off a bank robbery.  Never any violence involved, just smooth-talking and out the door with the stash. When the quintessential con-man’s luck runs out and he’s imprisoned, Slick Willie slips away triggering an all-out manhunt.  He robbed banks, he broke the law, but the public admired his style and his calm demeanor in the midst of being arrested.  Willie had it down to a science alright.

When arrested, it was not an easy task keeping Willie locked up. He successfully broke out of three prisons, all considered until then as “escape-proof.” The film takes us through these three prisons today and walks us through his masterful escapes.

Using licensed stock footage and photographs, the film returns us to the eras when Sutton was robbing banks, busting out of prison, and on the lam as a fugitive. Visits to actual locations where events in the life of Willie Sutton took place, along with period music adds authenticity to the story.

Newsreel footage is used to revisit Willie’s final arrest in 1952, followed weeks later by the ruthless murder of the young man who identified him. A murder case that remains unsolved to this day.

Deep research has led to interviews of persons who played significant roles in Sutton's life, who tell some fascinating stories of one of the most unique criminals in history.

Directed by: Richard Gold