The lights dimmed, and a collective hush fell over the packed theater in Los Angeles. The anticipation was palpable, a mixture of excitement for Alex Hayes's latest film and curiosity about Steven Spielberg's foray into a new genre. As the Universal Pictures logo faded, the film began to unfold, pulling the audience into the intricate world of Fred Abbruzzi Jr.
The story opened in 1969, with FBI agent Carl Hanratty arriving in Marseille, France, to collect a sickly Fred Abbruzzi Jr. The narrative then seamlessly transitioned back six years, introducing Fred's life in New Rochelle, New York, with his father, Fred Sr., and his French mother, Paula. The audience was immediately drawn into Fred's formative years, witnessing his father's charming techniques for conning people. The shift in the family's fortunes due to Fred Sr.'s tax problems, forcing them into a small apartment, evoked a quiet sympathy.
A collective gasp rippled through the theater when young Fred discovered his mother's affair with Jack Barnes, his father's friend. The subsequent divorce and Fred's desperate decision to run away set the stage for his transformation. As Fred began his life of confidence scams, progressively growing bolder, the audience found themselves both appalled and captivated by Alex Hayes's portrayal. He was utterly suave and charming as the con man, his effortless charisma making even the most audacious schemes seem plausible.
Fred, posing as a Pan Am pilot, began forging payroll checks worth millions. The audience particularly delighted in the scene where he encountered a high-class escort. Alex, as Fred, navigated the encounter with such smooth, disarming charm, subtly turning the tables on her, that the audience roared with laughter at the sheer audacity and cleverness of the con. It was a moment that perfectly showcased Alex's character's inherent wit.
The arrival of FBI agent Carl Hanratty, played by the formidable Gene Hackman, introduced a compelling cat-and-mouse dynamic. Hackman's portrayal of the relentless, world-weary agent immediately commanded the screen, creating a powerful foil to Alex's youthful exuberance. The audience leaned forward, fully invested in the chase, intrigued by the intellectual chess match between the two. When Fred tricked Carl into believing he was a Secret Service agent, escaping before Carl realized he was fooled, a wave of amused groans and cheers swept through the theater.
As Fred impersonated a doctor, falling in love with Brenda, the audience was drawn into his seemingly genuine attempts at a normal life. The tension mounted when Carl tracked Fred to his engagement party, leading to another thrilling escape. The airport scene, where Fred realized Brenda had given him up, was a moment of quiet heartbreak, followed by a brilliant display of his quick thinking as he staged a recruiting drive for stewardesses to evade capture.
The narrative returned to 1967, with Carl tracking Fred to his mother's hometown in Montrichard, France. The scene of Fred's arrest and Carl's assurance of extradition back to the U.S. brought a sense of closure, albeit a temporary one.
Picking back up in 1969, the film delivered an emotional blow with Carl informing Fred of Fred Sr.'s death. The audience felt Fred's grief, palpable and raw. Grief-stricken, Fred escapes from the plane and reaches the house of his mother, who now has a daughter with Barnes. Fred surrenders to Carl and is sentenced to 12 years in a maximum-security prison.
The latter part of the film, focusing on Carl's occasional visits to Fred in prison and Fred's eventual recruitment into the FBI Financial Crimes Unit, showcased a different side of Alex's performance. Here, the charm was tempered with a quiet intelligence and a growing maturity. The intellectual sparring between Alex's character and Gene Hackman's Carl Hanratty in these later scenes was particularly engaging, demonstrating a nuanced shift in their dynamic from adversaries to a reluctant, professional respect.
The scenes between Alex Hayes and Gene Hackman were particularly lauded by the audience. Alex, despite being a young actor opposite a seasoned veteran like Hackman, held his own magnificently.
The postscript, revealing Fred's successful life as an FBI expert, his enduring friendship with Carl, and his family, brought a satisfying conclusion to the gripping tale.
As the credits rolled, a wave of applause erupted, quickly turning into a standing ovation. The audience was captivated by the film, and Alex Hayes's performance was at the forefront of their praise. He showcased a range and depth that solidified his position as one of Hollywood's most versatile and compelling stars. Steven Spielberg had indeed proven his versatility, and the collaboration between the hottest director and actor had delivered a great movie.
Kathy Ireland immediately turned to Alex, her face alight with pride. She threw her arms around him, hugging him tightly, then pulled back just enough to plant a congratulatory kiss firmly on the corner of his mouth. "Alex, you were incredible! Simply incredible!"
Alex and Steven Spielberg were immediately surrounded, receiving fervent congratulations from cast members, studio executives, and industry peers alike. The air vibrated with excitement and the undeniable feeling of a success story unfolding.
After the screening, the cast and crew gathered for a brief Q&A with the press. The room buzzed with excitement, and hands shot up immediately.
A reporter from Variety was first. "Mr. Hayes, Mr. Spielberg, a phenomenal film! Alex, the character's name is Fred Abbruzzi Jr., but the real-life person the story is based on is Frank Abagnale Jr. Can you explain the change in names?"
Alex took the microphone, a thoughtful expression on his face. "Thank you. Well, when I first read the book, I approached it as a highly entertaining and compelling work of fiction. While it's inspired by real events, I didn't entirely believe all of Frank Abagnale's claims as presented in the book. So, for creative purposes, and to give us a bit more artistic license, we decided to change the names. It allowed us to craft the story we wanted to tell without being strictly bound by every detail of the alleged real-life events."
Another reporter, from The Hollywood Reporter, quickly followed up. "Given the incredible buzz, do you anticipate this film will be a major box office hit?"
Steven Spielberg stepped forward, a confident smile on his face. "We are incredibly proud of this film, and we are confident that audiences will connect with it. We believe we've made something special."
Alex then took the microphone back. "I think it will cross $100 million domestically, if you're asking purely about commercial success. But more than that, we were hoping that audiences would truly like it, that it would resonate with them, and that they would remember it years later. That's the real measure of success for us."
The Q&A session concluded, leaving the press buzzing with anticipation for the film's wider release.
The morning of April 6th brought the first wave of reviews, and they were overwhelmingly positive. Critics lauded Catch Me If You Can as a triumph, praising its sharp script, Spielberg's direction, and especially Alex Hayes's nuanced performance. The consensus was clear: Alex had delivered, and then some.
"Alex Hayes is a revelation in Catch Me If You Can. He effortlessly embodies the charm and cunning of Fred Abbruzzi Jr., but it's his ability to convey the character's underlying vulnerability and desperate yearning for a family that truly elevates the film. This performance is a clear indicator that his talents extend far beyond the high school hallways." - Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times
"A masterclass in cat-and-mouse, elevated by the magnetic performances of Alex Hayes and Gene Hackman. Hayes, in particular, proves his mettle, holding his own against a titan like Hackman with remarkable ease. He's not just a teen idol; he's a serious actor with an astonishing range." - Variety
"Catch Me If You Can is a thrilling, emotionally resonant ride. Steven Spielberg directs with a deft hand, but it's Alex Hayes who steals the show. His portrayal of the young con artist is captivating, showcasing a maturity and depth that signals a powerful transition in his career. He is simply brilliant, proving he can carry a complex narrative with grace and conviction." - The New York Times
"Alex Hayes delivers his most sophisticated and layered performance yet. Gone are the days of simple teen angst; here, he navigates complex emotional landscapes with remarkable skill. This film is a definitive statement that Alex Hayes is ready for the next phase of his career, a true leading man who can deliver both commercial appeal and critical depth." - The Hollywood Reporter
With approximately 97% positive reviews from critics, the film was a critical darling. The audience, too, had spoken, giving the film an enviable 'A' rating by exit polls.
The first day's box office numbers rolled in, and they were staggering: Catch Me If You Can grossed an impressive $8.41 million on its opening Friday.
At the CAA offices, Michael Ovitz saw the figure flash across his screen and a rare, genuine smile touched his lips. This was more than just another hit; it was a resounding validation. The question that had lingered over Alex's career—could he transition beyond teen roles?—had been answered emphatically. This film's success, coupled with the critical acclaim for his mature performance, solidified his path. Ovitz immediately began mentally recalibrating Alex's future projects, seeing a clear trajectory for him as a versatile, bankable leading man in any genre, not just the ones he had dominated thus far. The initial gamble had paid off handsomely, proving Alex's instincts and CAA's faith in his broader potential.
At Universal, Sidney Sheinberg received the news with immense satisfaction. "The Alex Hayes undefeated at the box office myth may continue," he mused to himself, a hint of triumph in his voice. This wasn't just about a single film's profit; it was about the confirmation of Alex's unparalleled star power. Sheinberg's mind immediately turned to future collaborations. Alex Hayes was a proven commodity, not just for youth-oriented films, but for serious, adult dramas and thrillers. Universal needed to ensure they were at the forefront of his next phase, eager to capitalize on his expanded appeal. He was determined to work with Alex again, and soon.
The momentum continued through the weekend. The film grossed an additional $9.23 million on Saturday and $8.82 million on Sunday, taking its total opening weekend box office to a phenomenal $26.46 million.
Alex Hayes had delivered again at the box office, cementing his status as the industry's most reliable star and proving, unequivocally, that his reign was far from over.