“The film's visual ingenuity is still remarkable: Lewis stages tracking shots in reverse, creates odd compositions that intentionally leave faces or key actions out of the frame, and—most famously—shoots a bank robbery in a single long take from the back of a car.” - Ben Sachs, CINE-FILE
“One of the greatest, most vital films noirs, in a league with OUT OF THE PAST and IN A LONELY PLACE, though it's more tawdry and feral than either.” - Stephanie Zacharek, Village Voice
Originally titled DEADLY IS THE FEMALE, this dynamic and influential noir stars Peggy Cummins and John Dall as lovers, gun fanatics, and thieves on a cross-country crime spree. Set largely on the road, GUN CRAZY also features an innovative piece of car-chase cinematography: a striking scene of a bank robbery shot from inside the getaway car in a single take. Add to all that a ruthless anti-heroine and some not so subtle Freudian urges and you have B movie gold.
Awards & Nominations
1998 National Film Preservation Board - Winner, National Film Registry
2013 Toronto International Film Festival - Official Selection
2018 Viennale - Official Selection
Vroom, Screech | July 31–August 27, 2026
For the season of road trips and action-adventure blockbusters, we offer a series of movies that celebrate and complicate the car chase. Featuring iconic automotive set-pieces, impressive stunt work, and serious car psychology, this slate crosses multiple lanes.
The Film Center is ADA accessible. This presentation will be projected without open captions. The theater is hearing-loop equipped. For accessibility requests, please email filmcenter@saic.edu