John Smith is actually John Dillinger, fleeing to Mexico after faking his death in Chicago
- His weapons of choice, soft spot for women, connections with the Chicago mob, and haircut all support the theory.
- Unfortunately for the theorists, the town of Jericho is only important because it serves as a way station for transporting illegal liquor: John Dillinger was killed in June 1934, and prohibition was repealed in December 1933, putting some holes in that theory. It's not a complete wash though, since several states remained dry after Repeal, including Texas, where the film is set.
- This would, incidentally, make Public Enemies a Stealth Prequel to this film.
