Machine Gun Kelly

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Joel H @786Joel Apr 24, 2025 Machine-Gun Kelly is a pretty straightforward gangster movie. It was fun to see a young Charles Bronson play the lead tough guy before he became a household name. I was impressed with how he made George "Machine Gun Kelly" Barnes into a menacing, yet vulnerable criminal. Actually, I am impressed with how unique each character is in this movie. Even the side characters are given memorable personalities and characteristics. Roger Corman may have a reputation as a director of corny movies, but if you’re looking for a quick & simple crime drama to watch, you might want to give Machine-Gun Kelly a shot. See more

Dec 22, 2013 Charles Bronson's face doesn't quite fit as a gangster despite doing a good job here as the tough-guy coward, but that's probably more to do with his back catalogue of westerns or 'modern western' roles. There's a pretty good crime caper style in the production but it's not overdone. See more

May 16, 2013 Machine-Gun Kelly, the famous bank robber, seldom without his Thompson machine gun. The story opens with great jazzy music and a murder shown in shadows. His moll is the driving force behind his exploits. He has an exaggerated fear of death and death symbols. The sight of a coffin makes him freeze during a bank job, causing his lieutenant to lose his arm. Finally, the gang kidnaps a little girl along with her nurse and hold them for ransom. stars Charles Bronson, Susan Cabot, Morey Amsterdam, Jack Lambert, Wally Campo, Connie Gilchrist , Bob Griffin, Barboura Morris, Richard Devon, Ted Thorpe, Mitzi McCall, Frank de Kova, Shirley Falls, Larry Thor, George Archambeault, Jay Sayer, Jon Mikl Thor and Michael Fox. directed by Roger Corman. See more

Apr 6, 2012 "When Rabbits Roar It's A Bad Time." A rather young and mustacheless Charles Bronson stars as real-life villain Machine Gun Kelly in this Roger Corman cheapie. Pushed around by his moll, Kelly plays it tough with his Tommy Gun but when a kidnapping scheme turns sour and an intense fear of death haunts his nightmares, the big bad discerns the futility of his crimes and the death chair seems imminent. Bronson and Cabot are excellent together as their bickering escalates, and the remaining crippled goons are solid supporters. This really would make an excellent companion to Roger Corman's St Valentine's Day Massacre. VF. See more

Feb 22, 2012 I liked this in almost every respect except for (i) a slightly lame ending (ii) the maltreatment and tormenting of a puma in a cage, which for me marred the film in a big way. It was difficult to empathise much with Bronson's character as a loveable rogue, but I guess the real Machine-Gun Kelly was hardly the Easter Bunny either. Quite short and perfectly watchable. 7.25/10 See more

Nov 1, 2010 You don't listen to me so good, do you? Machine Gun Kelly is a man on the run after a bank robbery goes bad. Kelly is fortunate that he has a girl as clever as he is as they look to continue to execute jobs while alluding the police. As Kelly begins assembling a new crew, he has trust issues and may begin working with guys more crooked then him or perhaps some undercover cops. "A slap is better than no touch at all." Roger Corman, director of Deathsport, Wild Angels, The Masque of Red Death, A Time for Killing (1967), The Terror, The Raven, and The Haunted Palace, delivers Machine-Gun Kelly. The storyline for this picture is wonderful and reminded me of Public Enemies (the John Dillinger story). The acting was outstanding and Charles Bronson delivered a remarkable performance as the lead character. "Go ahead, apple, and I'll peal and carve you." I ran a query of Roger Corman pictures about a month ago on my DVR and this film popped up. I had never heard of this movie but who am I to turn down an opportunity to watch a Charles Bronson picture. Bronson delivers a charismatic performance and does a great job depicting Kelly as the ultimate tough guy. I strongly recommend watching this film if you enjoy gangster pictures. "I don't understand." "You don't have to. Scream and you die." Grade: A See more

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Machine Gun Kelly

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