In addition to the central characters, the film also features a number of real-life criminals and historical events. The Barkers are shown in conflict with other gangsters such as John Dillinger and Pretty Boy Floyd, and eventually come to the attention of law enforcement. Their violent crimes and the family's close-knit nature combine to make them a media sensation, with Ma becoming a folk hero to some and a monster to others.
The film was directed by Roger Corman and stars Shelley Winters as Ma Barker, with support from a talented cast that includes Robert De Niro, Bruce Dern, Diane Varsi, and Robert Walden. Winters' performance in particular has been praised for its intensity and emotional depth, earning her a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress.
Bloody Mama was released in 1970 and is considered one of the more provocative and visually striking examples of the "drive-in movie" genre popular at the time. Its blend of sex, violence, and quasi-historical subject matter has made it a cult favorite, and it remains one of Corman's most celebrated films.