A Bullet for Pretty Boy

A Bullet for Pretty Boy is a fascinating crime drama from 1970 that tells the story of Charles Arthur "Pretty Boy" Floyd (played by Fabian), a notorious bank robber and gangster who operated in the Midwest during the Great Depression. The movie features a talented cast, including Jocelyn Lane as Pretty Boy's lover, Kathryn, and Astrid Warner as his mother, who struggles to accept her son's criminal lifestyle.

The film opens with a young Charles Floyd growing up on a farm in Oklahoma, dreaming of a life of adventure and excitement. However, after his father dies and his family falls on hard times, he turns to a life of crime, eventually becoming one of the most wanted men in the country. Pretty Boy is a charismatic and ruthless figure, feared by law enforcement and admired by many of the poor and disenfranchised Americans of the time.

As he robs banks and evades the authorities, Pretty Boy is pursued by the relentless FBI agent Melvin Purvis (played by Adam Roarke). Purvis sees himself as a champion of justice, determined to bring Pretty Boy to justice no matter the cost. Their cat-and-mouse game plays out against the backdrop of the Depression, with scenes of poverty and desperation highlighting the contrast between the lives of the rich and powerful and those of the working-class people Pretty Boy claims to represent.

At the heart of the film is the relationship between Pretty Boy and Kathryn, a woman he meets while on the run. Despite his violent and criminal lifestyle, Pretty Boy is deeply in love with Kathryn and wants to provide her with the life of luxury and adventure he's always dreamed of. However, their relationship is fraught with danger, as Kathryn becomes a liability for Pretty Boy and his gang. In one memorable scene, the two of them share an intimate moment in a hotel room, only to be interrupted by a violent shootout outside their door.

Another noteworthy aspect of the film is the portrayal of Pretty Boy's mother. Played with a heartbreaking vulnerability by Astrid Warner, she struggles to reconcile her love for her son with her horror at the crimes he's committed. Her character provides a humanizing element to the story, reminding the viewer that even notorious criminals have families who love and care for them.

Overall, A Bullet for Pretty Boy is an excellent example of a crime drama from the 1970s. It's stylish, well-acted, and features plenty of action and suspense. While the film takes some liberties with the actual events of Pretty Boy's life, it captures the spirit of the era and the fascination that Americans had with outlaws and gangsters. Moreover, it provides a valuable glimpse into the mindset of a young man who turns to crime as a way to escape poverty and desperation, highlighting the social and economic factors that can contribute to criminal behavior.