Gun Crazy

 

 

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Sigmund Freud would have a field day with Bart Tare (John Dall), the gun crazy marksman who just can't live without always having a firearm in his possession. Feeling more than a little inadequate, shall we say, Bart soon teams up with Laurie Starr (Peggy Cummins) a woman he meets at a carnival for who the moniker - girls gone wild - must have been invented. Basically, Laurie's pure poison, a sugar coated heartless killer consumed by her obsession to be rich. Naturally, the chemistry between these two ne'er-do-wells is immediate and deadly; Laurie's high life fueling both their rabid passions for each other and a life of crime. In "Gun Crazy" Bart is a pre-teen reprobate who, after a stint in reform school and the army, returns home without much concern or interest in anything other than a life of crime. It isn't that Bart goes looking for trouble - only that the excitement of getting into some is very compelling. The film is one of those cautionary tales that attempts to chart what happens to individuals to whom life does not follow the straight and narrow trajectory. Gun Crazy is a superb example of the must-see, raw B-flick. It sparkles with sordid raunchy performances that, quite frankly, are refreshing in light of the usual antiseptic film output one has come to expect from "the golden age" of Hollywood.
In keeping with Warner's current trend to not really do all that is required to completely remaster classic movies for DVD, this film is just average. The gray scale is nicely balanced with deep solid blacks but the whites are not very clean. There's a considerable amount of film grain and a lot of age related artifacts for a visual presentation that, while a considerable improvement over previously issued VHS tapes, is still below par for what might have been if more digital wizardry had been applied. The audio is mono but nicely balanced. The more intent listener will notice slight pops and some hiss but nothing that will distract. There's a fairly interesting audio commentary by Glenn Erickson that will most surely enhance your appreciation for this film. All in all, a good disc to add to your library of classic cinema.

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 !

If you like low-budget 1949-era noir B movies you will love this one. It has everything that makes that style appealing: good lines, slightly overdrawn characters, simple morals, interesting exterior photography, etc. What a find!

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3.0 out of 5 stars Gun Crazy
I had heard a lot about this movie but after watching it I wonder what all the fuss is about. The characters were not quite believable as hoodlums and I lost interest it them... Read more

Published on July 11 2004

4.0 out of 5 stars Beautifully crafted...but not quite right.
First of all, Gun Crazy is astonishing for a low budget B movie. The care, craft and detail are truly impressive.

But something's a little "off". Read more

Published on July 10 2004

5.0 out of 5 stars EXCITING NOIR THRILLER....
After a rocky young life of no parents, reform school and a stint in the army, Bart (John Dahl)---who's had a lifelong obsession with guns---meets sexy sideshow sharpshooter Annie... Read more

Published on July 7 2004 by Mark Norvell

5.0 out of 5 stars ASTOUNDING! A masterpiece of cinema, you'll never tire of.
Filmed on a shoestring budget for independent producers, GUN CRAZY barely got a theatrical release in 1949. Read more

Published on July 7 2004

4.0 out of 5 stars CRAZY FOR THIS CLASSIC NOIR
Sigmund Freud would have a field day with Bart Tare (John Dall), the gun crazy marksman who just can't live without always having a firearm in his possession. Read more

Published on July 6 2004 by Nix Pix

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