Gang Busters

I had very low expectations for "Gang Busters". Much of this is because it's available from Something Weird Video and is on the same disc as "Ma Barker's Killer Brood"--a cheesy, low-budget but fun B-movie. Additionally, this film is made up of episodes of the TV show "Gang Busters"--all clear indications that the film will be terrible. Yet, interestingly enough, I thought it was pretty good.

The film is the career of a criminal named John Omar Pinson. Pinson was NOT an ordinary crook but managed to make it to the FBI's most-wanted list. Additionally, he managed to repeatedly break out of prison in Oregon--mostly because he was so bright (and the guards so dumb). Interestingly, it's all taught almost documentary style with voice-over narration as well as recreations of the exploits of Pinson.

The overall effect is quite interesting--sort of like a film noir picture merged with a documentary. Not great but very good and a must-see for old time crime film lovers.