Gun Crazy 1950
Directed by
Joseph H. Lewis
Made by
United Artists
Plot Summary
On a stormy evening, fourteen-year-old Bart Tare impulsively breaks a hardware store window and swipes a gun, only to be swiftly apprehended by Sheriff Boston. During Bart’s court hearing, his devoted older sister, Ruby, who raised him alone, reassures Judge Willoughby that despite her brother’s peculiar fascination with firearms, he is inherently non-violent. To substantiate her claim, she recounts a traumatic incident from Bart’s childhood when he accidentally shot a chick with a BB gun. Meanwhile, Bart’s companions, Dave Allister and Clyde Boston, the sheriff’s son, reveal how Bart balked at exterminating a mountain lion for a bounty, emphasizing his skill as a marksman. Just before Ruby’s wedding, she pleads for Bart to live with her, but the judge decides on sending him to reform school instead.
Fast-forward many years, Bart re-emerges in town and reconnects with Dave, now a newspaper journalist, and Clyde, who has taken on the role of sheriff. He shares his journey, explaining that he joined the Army after his time in reform school and has returned to establish a new life. That night, the trio visits the carnival, where they watch the stunning sharpshooter Annie Laurie Starr. The carnival owner, Packett, incites the crowd to compete against Laurie, and after Bart triumphs, he secures a job with Packett. Tension mounts as Bart and Laurie develop feelings for each other, inciting Packett’s jealousy as he reminds Laurie of her past when she killed a man in St. Louis. When a confrontation erupts, Bart intervenes with a warning shot, leading to him and Laurie fleeing together after Packett dismisses them.
Driven by passion, Bart insists they wed and blissfully enjoys their honeymoon until financial strain sets in. While Bart considers selling his guns and seeking employment, Laurie longs for a lavish lifestyle filled with wealth. After convincing Bart to embark on a life of crime, the couple plunges into a thrilling yet perilous spree, albeit without inflicting harm. Bart’s dissatisfaction grows as Laurie’s desire for one final robbery at the Armour Meat Company intensifies. They infiltrate the firm, meticulously plotting the heist of the payroll office. However, catastrophe strikes when Laurie’s boss, Miss Sifert, activates the alarm, prompting Laurie to fatally shoot her and a security guard. The pair narrowly evade capture, escaping to Southern California. Bart is struck with horror upon reading about Miss Sifert’s and the guard’s deaths, while Laurie confesses her past homicide during a robbery with Packett.
As the FBI begins to close in, tracing stolen money, Bart and Laurie flee to Ruby’s house beside the railroad tracks. Concerned neighbors alert Clyde and Dave, who arrive to find Bart pointing a gun at them. Despite their pleas for Bart to surrender, the couple escapes in Ruby’s car, heading to Madera National Park. When their car breaks down, they hide in the woods, eventually settling by a swamp to spend the night. The following morning, amidst thick fog, they hear Clyde and Dave calling for Bart. As Laurie prepares to shoot at their approach, Bart intervenes, shooting her before he is caught in a barrage of gunfire. Clyde and Dave stand over their fallen friends, somberly retreating into the distance, leaving behind a haunting echo of love, crime, and tragedy.
Timeline
Bart's Impulsive Crime
On a stormy evening, fourteen-year-old Bart Tare impulsively breaks a window at a hardware store and steals a gun. This reckless act immediately leads to his apprehension by Sheriff Boston, setting off a chain of events that will shape Bart's future.
Court Hearing
During Bart's court hearing, his older sister, Ruby, passionately defends him before Judge Willoughby. She recounts a traumatic childhood incident where Bart accidentally shot a chick with a BB gun to emphasize that he is not inherently violent.
Testimonies from Friends
Bart's friends, Dave Allister and Clyde Boston, the sheriff's son, provide additional context during the hearing. They share stories of how Bart refused to kill a mountain lion for a bounty, showcasing his marksmanship and aversion to violence.
Ruby's Plea
Just before Ruby's wedding, she makes a heartfelt plea for Bart to stay with her. However, despite her wishes, the judge decides to send Bart to reform school, symbolizing the struggles of their family bond.
Bart's Return
Years later, Bart returns to town after completing his time in reform school. He reconnects with Dave, now a newspaper journalist, and Clyde, who has become the sheriff, sharing stories of his journey including joining the Army.
Carnival Encounter
The trio visits a carnival where Bart witnesses the impressive sharpshooter Annie Laurie Starr perform. After he wins a shooting competition against her, Bart secures a job with the carnival owner, Packett, marking a pivotal moment in his life.
Developing Romance
As Bart and Laurie grow closer, their burgeoning romance ignites jealousy in Packett, who harbors dark secrets about Laurie. Tension escalates when past incidents resurface, revealing Laurie's history of violence.
Confrontation with Packett
A confrontation between Bart, Laurie, and Packett takes a dangerous turn. To defend Laurie, Bart fires a warning shot, prompting the couple to flee after Packett dismisses them, marking a significant turning point in their lives together.
Marriage and Honeymoon
Driven by emotion, Bart and Laurie quickly marry and embark on their honeymoon. However, happiness is short-lived as financial strains soon appear, challenging their relationship and dreams.
Life of Crime Begins
Laurie convinces Bart to enter a life of crime, leading them down a thrilling yet dangerous path. Their criminal activities escalate despite Bart's lingering reservations about their choices and the impact on their lives.
The Armour Meat Company Heist
The couple meticulously plans a robbery at the Armour Meat Company, targeting its payroll office. Tragedy strikes when Laurie's boss, Miss Sifert, triggers the alarm and is fatally shot by Laurie in a desperate moment.
Aftermath of Violence
Following the violent incident, Bart is horrified to learn about the deaths of Miss Sifert and a security guard. Laurie's confession of her past homicide further complicates their fragile relationship and moral standing.
Fleeing the FBI
With the FBI closing in on them due to their criminal activities, Bart and Laurie take refuge at Ruby's house. Their attempt to evade capture grows desperate as they find themselves cornered by acquaintances Clyde and Dave.
Final Stand in the Woods
As they hide in the woods after their car breaks down, tensions boil over when Clyde and Dave locate them. In a moment of conflict, Bart is forced to make a tragic decision, resulting in a confrontation with Laurie.
Tragic End
In a haunting climax, Bart shoots Laurie in desperation before he himself succumbs to gunfire from Clyde and Dave. The tragic end leaves them grappling with a bittersweet memory of love, crime, and loss.
Characters
Bart Tare
Bart is a young man shaped by trauma and a yearning for acceptance. His fascination with guns stems from a childhood incident, emphasizing his complex relationship with violence. As the story unfolds, Bart's internal struggle between love and law leads him down a perilous path, culminating in a tragic fate.
Annie Laurie Starr
Laurie is a captivating sharpshooter whose ambitions and desires drive her towards a life of crime. Charismatic and alluring, she embodies both strength and vulnerability, making her an essential part of Bart's life. However, her obsession with wealth and status ultimately leads to chaos and destruction.
Ruby
Ruby is Bart's devoted older sister who possesses a deep love and concern for her brother. Raised him alone, she represents the struggle of familial bonds amidst societal challenges. Her desire to protect Bart showcases her strength, but ultimately, she is powerless against the tragic course of his life.
Setting
Time period
The movie unfolds in a contemporary setting that reflects post-war America, exploring themes of disillusionment and societal change. The era's fascination with crime alongside the personal struggles of individuals paves the way for Bart and Laurie's descent into a life of crime. This period allows audiences to witness a complex mix of hope, desperation, and reckless ambition.
Location
Southern California, Madera National Park, Ruby's house
Southern California serves as a backdrop for the couple's desperate escape, filled with sun-soaked landscapes and a sense of freedom mixed with danger. Madera National Park showcases the natural beauty and wilderness that provides both refuge and peril for Bart and Laurie. Ruby's house symbolizes a temporary haven amidst their tumultuous lives, representing Bart's connection to family and innocence.
Themes
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Crime and Consequences
The theme of crime and its consequences is central to the film, highlighting the repercussions of a life led by impulsive decisions. Bart and Laurie's journey into criminality showcases their struggles, ultimately leading to tragedy and despair. Their desire for wealth blinds them to the moral implications, culminating in a shocking realization of the cost of their choices.
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Love and Obsession
The intricate relationship between Bart and Laurie portrays love intertwined with obsession. They are driven by their passion for each other, which spirals into a dangerous partnership that fuels their criminal activities. The intensity of their feelings ultimately leads to their downfall, emphasizing the precarious balance between love and destructive behavior.
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Tragedy
Tragedy permeates the narrative as Bart and Laurie become ensnared in a web of their actions. Their dreams of a better life quickly dissolve into chaos, leaving a haunting legacy of loss. The heart-wrenching conclusion serves as a powerful reminder of the inevitable consequences that arise from their choices.
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