The Bonnie Parker Story

"The Bonnie Parker story" has the potential to be a cult movie. It is evident that a sad lack of bucks is the main cause of the faults of the film. No other reason, save some bizarre artistic choice, could justify the 1950s clothes and looks of the actors, within a 1930s story. And no bank-shot is shown all along the movie, another unwelcome by-product of a meagre budget.

In spite of its B-movie doom, "The Bonnie Parker story" has remarkable merits. The photography is accurate and evocative. The action scenes are realistic and very well filmed, the narration has a quick and smooth pace. The script oozes toughness and cynical wisecracking. In my opinion, a first rate job by the writer.

And then... that girl! That bomb of a wildcat-girl! Dorothy Provine is sensational, and not just for her stunningly gorgeous looks. Her aggressive, dynamic acting is unforgettable. She draws Bonnie's utterly amoral character, paired with an almost crazy courage, with a great force not lacking of subtlety. Huge fun to see her on the screen, especially when she ruthlessly ill-use and humiliate the male characters. An interesting, although undeveloped, side of Bonnie's psychology: she has an exclusive passion for command, while she seems not to give a damn for love. Well, let me give some credit to the little money used to make the movie. With a higher budget, probably they would have hired a more famous actress than Dorothy. What an enormous loss we escaped!

Dorothy Provine alone is largely enough to recommend "The Bonnie Parker story", but it's fair to take note of several other good sides of the movie.

For those who don't know who Bill Witney was, let me explain, he was the most famous serial maker ever. The most gifted in that domain. Besides this, he also directed films and also TV episodes. Grade Z westerns too, starring Allan Rocky Lane, Gene Autry or Roy Rogers, singing cowboys. So, you see...This one, made in the late fifties, tells a topic in the early sixties mode ( rebel youth, juvenile delinquency) but which actually takes place in the thirties. Bill Witney, long before Arthur Penn, told Bonnie Parker's story using this juvenile revolt; smart, isn't it? Dotty Provine is outstanding here. It is taut, tense, tragic, and an excellent film noir from a serial specialist. But after all Spencer Gordon Bennet, also a vet serial director, gave us THE BOUNTY HUNTER, which was for him BONNIE PARKER STORY was for Witney. Try one day to watch, also from Witney, STRANGER AT MY DOOR, a strange film really worth; don't worry I will talk about it later.

Don't turn on this flick for a lesson about the real life gangsters here. Bonnie is the brains in this mob. Throw in some 1950s rockabilly on the radio from the future and enjoy the ride.

The Bonnie Parker story is very different from many other American International movies. It doesn't deal with monsters or spaceships, but with a tough gangster, Bonnie Parker. Bonnie is played very well by Dorothy Provine, who's absolutely smashing in this picture (for all 50s style fans: she's a very good reason for watching this movie!). The story may not be as truthful as "Bonnie and Clyde" (1967), but there are many similarities between these two films. A difference is the fact they changed Clyde Barrow, Bonnie's partner, into Guy Darrow. I don't know why they did this, but it may very well be AIP wasn't allowed to use the real name, as has been the case with many classic true stories made in those days. Considering the low budget they had for making this movie, it's very well done. Some people complain about the 50s style approach to the story and to the music, but it didn't bother me at all. If you like the 50s style B-movies, you'll love this one!

AIP makes a 30s gangster movie, starring a very 50s looking Dorothy Provine as bombshell and bank robber Bonnie Parker. Why the screenwriters felt compelled to keep Clyde Barrow OUT of the story is only one of the confusing things about this film; instead they substituted a character called Guy Darrow!! And dig the so-close-to-rock-n-roll-it-made-me-put-on-my-blue-suede-shoes music on the soundtrack. Obviously aimed at the teen market of the time, The Bonnie Parker Story just looks weird now. Provine is actually pretty good if you can get past her Mamie Van Doren hair and bustline, but there's not much else to recommend here.