A psychologically disturbed matriarch presides over her damaged family of bank-robbing misfits.A psychologically disturbed matriarch presides over her damaged family of bank-robbing misfits.A psychologically disturbed matriarch presides over her damaged family of bank-robbing misfits.
- Moses
- (as 'Scatman' Crothers)
- Young Kate
- (as Lisa Jill)
- Bank Customer
- (uncredited)
- Victim
- (uncredited)
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaIn one scene where Herman Barker (Don Stroud) punches Ma Barker (Shelley Winters) in the nose, Stroud accidentally punched Winters in the nose for real, and hurt her badly enough that she had to be taken to the hospital.
- GoofsIn the prison cell when Freddie is walking on Dirkman's back, if you look on the cell wall behind him, you'll see graffiti of a Nazi swastika on the wall. The movie takes place circa 1930 and the Nazi symbol didn't even exist (at least in America's consciousness) until the late 1930's-1940's. Correction: The swastika was used as good luck symbol long before the Nazis. It was a common Native American symbol of good fortune and was on the official patch of the 45th Infantry Division of the US Army prior to 1930. So it's use as graffiti is not impossible.
- Quotes
'Ma' Kate Barker: [opens door and walks into boys' room, where Fred and Kevin are lying in bed together] I don't wanna sleep alone tonight.
Fred Barker: Ma, I can't.
'Ma' Kate Barker: Freddie, I don't want to cuddle with you tonight, baby. Kevin, I want you.
Kevin Dirkman: Well, we're all feeling kinda weird tonight, Ma.
'Ma' Kate Barker: ...Kevin, I've been promising myself you for a long time, and I want you tonight
Kevin Dirkman: Well, honey, I'm ready.
[rolls over Freddie, rubbing him sexually as he climbs out of bed. In a subsequent masochistic ecstasy, Fredde burns himself with his cigar]
- Alternate versionsThe film was originally rejected for a UK cinema certificate by the BBFC and then released 8 months later in 1971 with cuts to nudity, violent beatings, a rape scene, the drowning of Rembrandt, Lloyd's injection scenes and the violent shooting of Herman. The 18-rated UK video release of this film was cut by 11 seconds by the BBFC and removes the scene where Bruce Dern drops a tethered piglet into a river to use as alligator bait. The cuts were fully waived for the 2009 Optimum DVD.
- ConnectionsEdited into Frogs (1972)
'Bloody Mama' tells the story of Ma Barker and her sons, infamous criminals during the Depression. Exactly how much of this movie is historically accurate I don't know, and it doesn't really matter. This is a non-stop action ride, low budget yes, but full of energy, clever touches, and generally strongly acted by the cast, which includes - get this! - cult favourites Don Stroud and Bruce Dern AND a scene stealing performance from a young Robert De Niro. If the thought of those three absurdly talented actors appearing in the same movie isn't enough to get you running to your local video store, then you're beyond help!
Add to that the familiar character actors Pat Hingle, Scatman Crothers and the appearance of Diane Varsi from the legendary 'Wild In The Streets', and b-grade film buffs will be ecstatic. Last but certainly not least, Shelley Winters in the title role is outstanding. She has had a long and varied career, but she always gives her best whether she is in a- or b-grade material, a star vehicle, supporting role or a cameo. More power to her!
'Bloody Mama' is a movie to be treasured! Trash with intelligence. Don't miss it!
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