Gun Crazy

1950, Drama/Crime, 1h 27m

40 Reviews 2,500+ Ratings

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critics consensus

Well-acted and strikingly filmed, Gun Crazy (Deadly Is the Female) delves into the darkness of human nature with noir-fueled B-movie flair. Read critic reviews

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Movie Info

When gun-obsessed pacifist Bart Tare (John Dall) witnesses expert shooter Annie Laurie Starr (Peggy Cummins) demonstrate her firearm prowess at a carnival one night, it's love at first sight. Aimless Bart joins the traveling show and begins a romance with Annie, but her dangerously rebellious spirit soon gets them both fired. After eloping, the young lovers embark on an armed robbery spree, managing to elude the authorities until Annie insists on pulling one last job.

Cast & Crew

Peggy Cummins
Annie Laurie Starr
John Dall
Bart Tare
Berry Kroeger
Packett
Morris Carnovsky
Judge Willoughby
Anabel Shaw
Ruby Tare Flagler
Harry Lewis
Deputy Clyde Boston
Nedrick Young
Dave Allister
Trevor Bardette
Sheriff Boston
Joseph H. Lewis
Director
MacKinlay Kantor
Writer
MacKinlay Kantor
Screenwriter
Dalton Trumbo
Screenwriter
Frank King
Producer
Maurice King
Producer
Victor Young
Original Music
Russell Harlan
Cinematographer
Harry W. Gerstad
Film Editor
Gordon Wiles
Production Design
Raymond Boltz Jr.
Set Decoration
Norma Koch
Costume Designer
Charles Huber
Makeup Artist
Carla Hadley
Hair Stylist
Allen K. Wood
Production Manager
Frank Heath
Assistant Director
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Critic Reviews for Gun Crazy

All Critics (40) | Top Critics (10) | Fresh (39) | Rotten (1)

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Audience Reviews for Gun Crazy

  • Feb 21, 2021
    Simply an out-and-out classic, we follow the life of a guy (John Dall) who is fascinated with guns, which is okay - until he meets his better half (Peggy Cummins). Both actors look and seem like that "perfectly nice couple who live next door", but together they spark like dynamite, leading to a action-packed, cross-country chase that's sure to excite. Highly recommended.
    Kevin M. W Super Reviewer
  • Jun 15, 2020
    Femme fatales don't come any more sinister and psychopathic than Peggy Cummins' Annie Starr. Gun Crazy is among the most inventively shot B-movies I've ever seen.
    Aldo G Super Reviewer
  • Feb 25, 2011
    A solid noir that really focuses on gun ownership as a metaphor for masculinity. Focusing on Barton's upbringing, the gun is where he finds his male identity. We he eventually meets his love, he does it by winning a shooting contest. Clearly asserting his manliness. For the films femme fatale Annie, wielding the gun is a source of power and in one scene in particular, she shows off her shooting skills to a sea of young men. She shoots out into the crowd, almost as if she is shooting her masculinity all over these men. There is even a scene when she pulls out a gun and sets it on her lap and it is as if she too has her source of masculinity, her very own penis. These are just a few examples of all that Lewis leaves the viewer to unpack. The influence that it would later have on Penn's Bonnie & Clyde is obvious. Although not as intriguing as other Noirs, this psychologically dense film is certainly a good watch.
    Reid V Super Reviewer
  • Oct 03, 2010
    "Gun Crazy" is square in the predictable "lovers on the run" genre, but it stands out because the suspense as the couple's resources and options thin is unusually fierce and prolonged. Also, both of the lead actors seem to belong in a much different, nicer sort of film, so we especially identify with their frantic confusion and insecurities. On the other hand, the good/bad contradictions of Bart's character strain credibility and it's hard to understand why his less rational mate can manipulate him so easily.
    Eric B Super Reviewer
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