Bug Bailey was an original character created for the 1990 Dick Tracy feature film. The character wore eyeglasses, had a bulbous nose and over-sized ears. He was played by Michael J. Pollard.
Police Department Wizard[]
Bug Bailey was the tech expert of the Police Department and (according to the prequel comic) was the creator of the 2-Way Wrist Radio (rather than Diet Smith).
Following a search of Big Boy's club, Bug and his listening device were planted in Big Boy's attic above the conference room at the Club Ritz. Bug maintained audio surveillance and reported Big Boy's activities to Tracy and the PD. With this information, Dick Tracy was able to thwart Big Boy's criminal activities. Most of his men were arrested and Big Boy's empire was crumbling.
A short time later, Big Boy was ranting to Pruneface about Tracy being able to anticipate their every move. After being startled by a cockroach, Bug accidentally spilled his coffee and it leaked onto the the conference table, revealing to the criminals that they were being listened to. Big Boy made a fake phone call telling one of his men to go to the Southside warehouse for a big payoff. Bug reported this to Tracy, unaware that he was being used as bait.
Pruneface and Influence then kidnapped Bug and took him to the warehouse. They prepared to give him a cement bath in the same manner in which Lips Manlis had been killed. Tracy arrived and freed Bug, using his coat on a hook as a diversion. They both survived the shootout that ensued, though Pruneface did not.
Bug was not involved involved in the New Year's Eve raid on Club Ritz.
Tie-In Comic Book[]
Bug was also a character in the comic book prequel to the film released by the Walt Disney Company. He was shown giving Tracy the original model 2-Way Wrist Radio. He also took an active role in police work, joining Sam Catchem, Pat Patton, and FBI Agent Jim Trailer in the raid on the Mole's underground hideout.
Trivia[]
- Actor Michael J. Pollard had previously co-starred with Warren Beatty in the film Bonnie and Clyde, about the real-life criminals Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow.