The poster for this film is definitely the best aspect of the movie. Now this ISN'T to say the film is bad (it's not),but it just doesn't sizzle or sparkle with the Noir elements that I usually love. And you'd certainly expect a lot more from a film called "Gun Crazy"! While the plot of a Bonny and Clyde-like couple is pretty good, the film seems a bit ordinary beyond that--and I wanted sensationalism like the buxom wench on the poster. I really wanted to hear the darker dialog and witty comebacks that are a trademark of Film Noir, as well as the great black and white cinematography and camera angles. But instead the film is just very competently made and no more--like a slightly better than average B-movie. In particular, aside from the dandy ending, the usual double-crosses and grittiness either isn't there or is terribly restrained. Overall, a decent effort, but that's really about all. Nothing over the top or exciting here and it's really too bad for fans of Noir.

Yet another film to appear as a recommendation and being a fan of classic film and of the genre it fits into, there was no chance of me missing 'Gun Crazy'. As well as it being reputed as a big influence on Jean Luc Godard, 'Bonnie and Clyde' and 'Natural Born Killers'. Despite it not being very well known (or at least as well known as it should be),the high rating and very good to brilliant reviews from trusted users sparked my interest further.

Am so glad about coming across 'Gun Crazy'. Do not throw around the word underrated much today (was guilty though of doing so a fair bit in my early years here),knowing people who have become annoyed by its they feel overuse, will describe this as being one such film to fit under that distinction. Also don't the term minor masterpiece much anymore for similar reasons, but would consider 'Gun Crazy' one of those films or at least close to it. It has pretty much everything that a film of its genre should have and has hardly anything objectionable to it.

Only one or half a point is deducted and that's for the occasional lack of subtlety in John Dall's performance. On the most part though he was fine and the nervous intensity he bought to his role was a good fit.

Did think though that he was not quite up to the same level as Peggy Cummins, who absolutely smoulders in a deliciously wicked performance with all the best lines to boot and portraying one of the most memorable of all femme fatales. The supporting cast are also more than solid but Cummins dominates. She and Dall do have very good chemistry together.

'Gun Crazy' is a very stylish looking film, as far as "B-movies" go, 'Gun Crazy' is among the better-looking ones. The camera work is especially wonderful and rich in atmosphere as well as boasting some interesting angles. The music is haunting without being intrusive and Joseph H Lewis directs with a sure hand throughout, allowing the suspense to really crackle and not letting momentum let up at any stage.

It has a very absorbing story that intrigues and nail bites, without being predictable or confused. Of many memorable scenes, the highlight for me was the ending which left me riveted and gave me chills. Other than Cummins, the other big star of 'Gun Crazy' is the taut script with some absolute corkers for lines.

Overall, great. 9/10

Although John Dall did a few cinema classics like The Corn Is Green, Rope, Spartacus, he will probably go down with this small B film noir Gun Crazy which even with the Code firmly in place managed to come across with a finely etched portrayal of two young people with serious self esteem issues which are represented by their obsession with firearms.

With Dall it's self esteem, with British import Peggy Cummins it's a great deal more than that. Gun Crazy has a prologue where we see Dall portrayed earlier in his life by Russ Tamblyn as an incorrigible juvenile. But with decent surroundings he might have kept his darker impulses in check.

But a chance encounter with at a carnival where Peggy Cummins is a featured attraction as a trick shot artist and Dall finds he and Cummins have a bond with their shooting. Unbeknownst to Dall, Peggy has already honed her skills on human targets already. She has no problem getting Dall to put his useful skill with firearms to a life of crime.

Dall can kill if needed, but Cummins is one of the most amoral individuals ever shown on the big screen. She really loves her work and never more when someone gives her an excuse to fire fatal bullets.

There's a lot of action in Gun Crazy, but ultimately the film is a fine character study of two flawed individuals. This is a real underground classic, don't miss it when broadcast because it provided two career roles for its stars.