Review of The Grissom Gang (1971) by Trent R — 27 Apr 2010

Under-rated gangster gem that evokes the style and themes of classic films while also touching on contemporary sexual politics, ironic use of popular music and humorous genre subtext. Wilson/Darby and Stevens/Musante present two contrasting couples with opposite fates not dissimilar to those in Bonnie and Clyde or Gun Crazy. While Irene Daley gives a fantastic turn as the brutal matriarch, giving Cody's ma in White Heat a run for her money.

Joseph Biroc's cinematography captures all of the sweaty, fevered dialogue and implied rape, along with classic use of reaction shots, bullet hits, chase scenes, and the inevitable dance of death. Darby and Wilson play it a little broad, like sexually overwrought but homicidal juveniles, but it is appropriate to the material. The action high point comes with Ma Grissom's standoff at their K.C. safehouse, and the doomed couple's flight from it. Their final scenes are not sweeping or sensational, but stay true to the parody and unromantic tone - a nice contrast to many later films.