Drama,Crime,Thriller
United States of America
Gun Crazy is a film noir directed by Joseph H. Lewis. It was released in 1950 and stars Peggy Cummins as Annie Starr and John Dall as Bart Tare. The film is known for its impressive and innovative cinematography and its realistic portrayal of gun violence.
The story begins with Bart Tare as a child, living in the Midwest and becoming obsessed with guns. As he grows up, his obsession leads him to become a skilled marksman, but also lands him in trouble with the law. After serving in the Army and returning home, Bart meets Annie Starr, a sharpshooter at a traveling carnival. They quickly fall in love, and Bart joins the carnival as a sideshow shooter.
However, things take a dark turn when the carnival owner, Packett, becomes infatuated with Annie and tries to force himself on her. Bart intervenes and kills Packett in self-defense, leading to the couple's dismissal from the carnival. With no money and no prospects, Annie convinces Bart to join her in a string of robberies, with the hope of earning enough money to start a new life.
The duo becomes known as the "Lovers' Lane Bandits" and attracts the attention of the police, who pursue them across the country. Bart and Annie's crime spree heightens, and their relationship becomes strained as they struggle to stay ahead of the law. The film concludes with a climactic chase scene in the hills of San Francisco, where Bart returns to his childhood home for a final showdown with the police.
Gun Crazy is notable for its groundbreaking cinematography, which features long, uninterrupted takes and several impressive tracking shots. The film's portrayal of violence is also considered ahead of its time, with its realistic depiction of gunshots and their impact. The film was not a commercial success upon its initial release, but it has since gained a cult following and is now regarded as a classic of the film noir genre.
