Movie première sparks Leo mania

They were joined by director Steven Spielberg and Frank Abagnale, the man whose incredible story the film is based on.

DiCaprio, Hanks and Spielberg mingled with the assembled fans, signing autographs and chatting to the crowds before the start of Monday night's show.

" After meeting Frank you understand how much of an actor he was "
Leonardo DiCaprio

DiCaprio, 28, sashayed into the première at the Empire in Leicester Square on the arms of a bevy of air stewardesses who were featured in the film.

He said one of his favourite parts of filming was when he had to walk through an airport dressed as an airline pilot, surrounded by beautiful air hostesses hiding him from the FBI.

"That part had a certain affinity and attraction because Abagnale actually pulled that off," he joked.

Other celebrities who turned out for the screening included TV presenters Ulrika Jonsson and Dermot O'Leary and boy band One True Voice.

Impersonation

Catch Me If You Can focuses on the five years in the young life of Abagnale, played by DiCaprio, when he pulled off a series of con tricks, cashing millions of dollars of cheques and passing himself off as an airline pilot, doctor and lawyer.

Spielberg is no stranger to impersonations, having dressed himself up in a suit and tie at the age of 16 and walked on to the lot of Universal Studios.

"I was obsessed with being a movie director and I thought the only way to do it was to go on the, set so I dressed as a junior executive and did it for three months," he told BBC News Online.

One of The scenes in the movie is an "homage" to superspy James Bond, and Spielberg said he was snubbed by producer Cubby Broccoli after begging to make a Bond movie.

Following a meeting 30 years ago, Broccoli told Spielberg "he wasn't ready".

"So 10 years after that I became his chief competitor and began making his arch rival into a hero - Indiana Jones. That was my payback," said Spielberg.

DiCaprio said that although he was nothing like the character of Abagnale he saw the relationship between the conman and the actor.

DiCaprio said: "After meeting Frank you understand how much of an actor he was.

'Unbelievable'

"He got in to the characters, he researched the role, understood the lingo and gave terrific performances each day.

"If you read the book you definitely think it is almost unbelievable but as soon as I met Frank I found he has a way of engaging you," he said.

For once Oscar-winner Hanks plays second fiddle, almost acting as a supporting actor to DiCaprio.

But he said he enjoyed the fact he did not have to work every day and could just turn up on set when required.

'Romancing'

Catch Me If You highlights the effect the divorce of Abagnale's parents had on him as a spur to making something of himself, a characteristic Spielberg said he identified with.

"I'm attracted to stories of broken families and separated parents.

"Because it was a significant part of my life so many of my stories, starting with ET which was influenced by my parents divorce," said Spielberg.

Abagnale is pleased with the end result, having been dubious of the effect the retelling of his story would have on his wife and three sons.

"I personally felt the movie was 80% accurate, there were some changes, but the essence was there," said Abagnale.