Review of Bloody Mama (1970) by Doris R — 14 Jul 2009

Never saw this movie before but the name Shelley Winters was all I needed to know to want to see it plus of course the fact that she portrayed the infamous Ma Barker that I have heard of but never in great detail. Well, this movie is sort of a short version on what happened, no doubt - albeit there is narration as to what is happening around it all and even a reason given why she became the way she was, whether it is factual or not, it was convincing overall.

The story centers more on the sexual and violent exploration of Ma Barker and her four boys, concentrating in particular on one kidnap story that introduces us to all the characters involved, including the two 'outsiders' travelling with the gang. The oldest (portrayed by a most and forever convincing Don Stroud) took his girl-friend and later wife along that did not exactly please mommy and the gay son found himself a playmate during a stint in prison, while the other two boys turned to alcohol and glue sniffing although the youngest may have escalated to harder drugs later on. History tells that they went out in a blaze of glory - one major last shootout - though whether it occurred the way it was portrayed in this movie is very unlikely, particularly the close contact of an extensive audience not far away. Yes, I know, times change but I am pretty sure that even in those days people did not get quite as close 'to the action' as it was shown ... but that is a detail, albeit one that put me off somewhat.

The overall performances - as expected with the likes of Shelley Winters, Pat Hingle, Don Stroud and a very young Robert De Niro - were excellent despite a bit of a mediocre script and one-sided storyline, the gist of the family way of life did come across loud and clear and the audience did get a chance to get to know the various characters and what they were all about. I don't really know much about director Roger Corman to comment whether it was his doing or simply the acting of the impressive cast that made this movie an enjoyable view but that is beside the point, really. The feature was entertaining and got across the essence of Ma Barker and her boys - yet another piece of history well worth seeing.