Catch Me If You Can (movie) facts for kids

Catch Me If You Can is an exciting American movie from 2002. It's a biographical crime drama. This means it tells a true story, but with some added drama. The movie stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hanks. It was directed by the famous Steven Spielberg. The story is based on a 1980 book by Frank Abagnale. It's about a young man who pretended to be many different people.

About the Movie

Catch Me If You Can takes place in 1963. It follows the amazing true story of Frank Abagnale Jr.. He was a very clever young man. Frank was only sixteen years old when his parents got divorced. This made him decide to leave home. He started a new life, pretending to be different people.

The Story of Frank Abagnale

Frank Abagnale, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, begins his journey. He buys a pilot uniform and makes a fake pilot license. He then travels all over the world with PanAm airlines. He pays for things using fake checks in the USA.

Frank's Clever Disguises

After pretending to be a pilot, Frank decides to try being a doctor. He creates fake documents for this too. While working at a hospital, he meets a girl he likes. To be with her, he even pretends to be a lawyer. He does this so he can marry her.

The Chase Begins

Meanwhile, Tom Hanks plays Carl Hanratty. Carl is an FBI investigator. He is determined to catch Frank. Carl finds Frank at the wedding. He tells the girl's father who Frank really is. Frank also tells his wife the truth about his life. Carl searches the house, but Frank has already left.

A New Path

Frank escapes and goes to France. He lives with his mother for a short time. On Christmas Day, Carl Hanratty finds him. Carl arrests Frank, and Frank goes with him quietly. After Frank leaves jail, he starts working with Carl Hanratty. He helps the FBI catch other criminals who make fake checks and documents. This shows how Frank used his cleverness for good.