Dick Tracy

Last Updated on: October 18th, 2023

Here is everything you need to know about the amazing movie Dick Tracy including casting, reviews, fun facts and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!

Dick Tracy Description

Dick Tracy

“Dick Tracy” is a 1990 American action film directed by Warren Beatty and based on the comic strip character of the same name created by Chester Gould. The film stars Warren Beatty in the lead role as the detective Dick Tracy, with Madonna, Al Pacino, and Dustin Hoffman in supporting roles.

Set in the 1930s, the movie follows Dick Tracy as he tries to bring down a powerful mob boss named Big Boy Caprice, played by Al Pacino. Along the way, he must navigate his complicated relationships with his girlfriend, Breathless Mahoney, played by Madonna, and other colorful characters from the comic strip, including The Kid and Mumbles.

“Dick Tracy” was notable for its striking visual style, which was heavily influenced by the original comic strip. The film used innovative prosthetics and makeup to transform its actors into larger-than-life characters with exaggerated features, such as Pacino’s prosthetic chin and Hoffman’s deformed nose.

The film was a commercial success, grossing over $162 million worldwide, and it received seven Academy Award nominations, winning three for Best Art Direction, Best Makeup, and Best Original Song for “Sooner or Later” performed by Madonna. It is remembered as a fun and visually impressive homage to the classic detective comics of the 1930s.



Dick Tracy Fun Facts

  • The movie’s distinct visual style is characterized by its use of vibrant primary colors, inspired by the original comic strip’s aesthetic.
  • The film’s makeup design, created by John Caglione Jr., received critical acclaim and won the Academy Award for Best Makeup.
  • Madonna’s performance as the sultry lounge singer Breathless Mahoney earned her a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress.
  • The iconic yellow fedora worn by Dick Tracy in the film has become synonymous with the character.
  • “Dick Tracy” features a memorable soundtrack composed by Stephen Sondheim, which won the Academy Award for Best Original Song for “Sooner or Later (I Always Get My Man).”
  • The film’s production design and art direction were heavily influenced by the art deco style of the 1930s, creating a visually striking and stylized world.
  • “Dick Tracy” was released amidst high expectations and received mixed reviews, but it was a box office success, grossing over $162 million worldwide.
  • The film’s legacy includes its impact on the superhero genre and its contribution to the resurgence of interest in comic book adaptations in the 1990s.


Dick Tracy Cast
  • Warren Beatty: Dick Tracy
  • Al Pacino: Alphonse “Big Boy” Caprice
  • Madonna: Breathless Mahoney
  • Glenne Headly: Tess Trueheart
  • Charlie Korsmo: The Kid
  • James Keane: Pat Patton
  • Seymour Cassel: Sam Catchem
  • Michael J. Pollard: Bug Bailey
  • Charles Durning: Chief Brandon
  • Dick Van Dyke: District Attorney John Fletcher
  • Frank Campanella: Judge Harper
  • Kathy Bates: Stenographer
  • Dustin Hoffman: Mumbles
  • William Forsythe: Flattop
  • Ed O’Ross: Itchy
  • James Tolkan: Numbers
  • Mandy Patinkin: 88 Keys
  • G. Armstrong: Pruneface
  • Henry Silva: Influence
  • Paul Sorvino: Lips Manlis
  • Lawrence Steven Meyers: Little Face
  • James Caan: Spud Spaldoni
  • Catherine O’Hara: Texie Garcia
  • Robert Beecher: Ribs Mocca


Dick Tracy Crew
  • Director: Warren Beatty
  • Producer: Warren Beatty
  • Music: Danny Elfman




Additional Details

  • Movie Studio:
  • Year Released: 1990
  • Type of Movie: Live Action
  • Box Office: $162.7 million
  • Awards: Won Academy Awards; Won Golden Globe; Nominated Grammy Awards
  • IMDB Link

Dick Tracy Trailer:




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Craig Smith
I am founder and editor of DisneyNews.us. My passion for all things Disney goes pretty far back to my first trip to Walt Disney World in the mid-80's. I have since returned to the magical place more than 20 times. I started this site when I came to the realization that I spent a significant portion of my day reading articles about Disney and watching Disney content with my 8-year old, so it made sense that I would start sharing some of what I read and see and building a little community around it. Other interests include 80's nostalgia, vintage toys, video games, LEGO, Star Wars and tech gadgets. Other sites include DMR and VideoGamesStats.com.