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Over the years, I had seen the striking, lurid poster for “Gun Crazy” in various film books ( nicely rendered on the DVD cover ), but I had never actually seen the movie. Well, the movie knocked me out ! This has to be one of the greatest “B” movies of all time. It was also briefly titled “Deadly is the Female”, very “film noirish” and appropriate.
I will not reveal too many details about the plot–other reviewers have covered it extensively ( perhaps in some cases too extensively ). Bart Tare ( John Dall ) has had a passion for guns his whole life. At a carnival, he meets a sideshow sharpshooter from London, Annie Laurie Starr ( Peggy Cummins ). They are soon sharing not only a passion for guns, but an intense passion for each other ! Falling under the spell of this charismatic, young blonde–who craves excitement, action and the finer things in life–Bart is drawn into a cross-country crime spree that escalates from robbery to murder.
As one of the best “femme fatale” types in film history, Peggy Cummins gives a rivetting performance. You can’t take your eyes off her, as she fanatically plunges down a road from which there is no return, taking the man she loves with her. Her character steals money–Ms. Cummins steals the movie ! As Bart, John Dall is rather stoic and one-dimensional until later in the film, when he realizes the harm he is causing others, including those who were close friends. His performance really picks up in the later scenes. Incidentally, Bart as a youth is played by Russ Tamblyn, later to spark a number of movies with his dancing and acrobatic skills.
The other “star” here is the Director, Joseph H. Lewis. His approach is refreshing and innovative. I particularly liked the scenes where you–the audience–are in the back seat of the getaway car during a heist. You cannot help but wonder how much later films like “Bonnie and Clyde”, “Badlands” and “Natural Born Killers” were influenced by this low-budget masterpiece ?
I also liked the way that Lewis depicts the sexual overtones of his characters and situations, remembering that this film was first released in 1949.
Concerning the picture quality of the DVD, I see that one reviewer had some problems with the image. Personally, I found the black and white picture to be crisp and clear, especially for a film now 55 years old. The optional comments of author/film buff, Glenn Erickson, are a very nice bonus.
“Gun Crazy” provides further proof that, whether it’s the 1940s or 2004, you don’t need big budgets and “superstars” to make a memorable film. If you have a taut script, a talented director and even one terrific performance, you can come up with a winner. Thank you, Warner Bros !
Gun Crazy is a tale of the symbiotic relationship between two sharpshooters: he’s a gentle soul who likes guns and loves her; she’s a psychopath who winds him up like a cheap watch.
They rob their way across mid-west, get chased by the cops, kill a few people on the way. But when push comes to shove, when the smart money says “split up”, they can’t bear to be apart.
It’s a Pre-”Bonnie and Clyde” “Bonnie And Clyde”; a perverse mixture of sadism and sympathy.
For Afficionadoes:
Joseph H Lewis was on of those B-Movie directors who knew how to make his limitations into strengths. As a result there are some amazing camera moves, car-rigs, lighting set-ups, and all round great cutting.
The set-piece is the one-take real-time bank robbery, shot in a town of people most of whome didn’t know anyone was making a film. It saved Lewis a day of shooting, and I haven’t seen it’s equal.
The Practicle Car-Rigs used were unusual for their time (there’s very little rear-projection.
For Everyone Else:
Non-Stop and Never A Dull Moment.
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