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Machine Gun Kelly is a 1958 crime drama film directed by Roger Corman and starring Charles Bronson as the titular character, a notorious bank robber from the 1930s. The movie follows the true story of George Kelly Barnes, who became known as Machine Gun Kelly due to his use of the titular weapon. The film depicts Kelly's rise to infamy as a criminal mastermind and his eventual capture by law enforcement.

The film begins by introducing us to Kelly, a small-time criminal working as a bootlegger and thief. After running afoul of his boss and finding himself on the wrong side of the law, Kelly decides to step up his game and become a major player in the criminal underworld.

With the help of his girlfriend, Flo (played by Susan Cabot), Kelly begins planning and executing a series of bank robberies across the Midwest. Although initially successful, Kelly's luck begins to run out as law enforcement agencies start to take notice of his activities.

As Kelly's notoriety grows, so too does the attention of the authorities. A nationwide manhunt is launched to capture Kelly, and he finds himself increasingly desperate to evade capture. Eventually, Kelly is betrayed by one of his associates and captured by the FBI.

The movie concludes with Kelly's trial and sentencing, as well as his final confrontation with Flo. Throughout the film, Charles Bronson delivers a standout performance as the cold, calculating Kelly. Bronson imbues the character with a sense of dangerous charisma, making it clear why Kelly was able to amass such a dedicated following of criminals.

Susan Cabot also shines as Flo, Kelly's loyal girlfriend and partner in crime. Cabot brings a sense of vulnerability to the character, making it clear that Flo is as much a victim of circumstance as she is a willing participant in Kelly's crimes.

Morey Amsterdam also appears in the film, playing a small but memorable role as one of Kelly's associates.

The film's direction by Roger Corman is similarly noteworthy. Corman, who went on to become one of the most influential directors in B-movie history, demonstrates a keen eye for action and suspense. The bank robbery sequences in particular are tense and thrilling, making use of clever camera angles and fast-paced editing to create a sense of momentum and urgency.

Overall, Machine Gun Kelly is a solid crime drama that delivers thrills, chills, and an unforgettable performance by Charles Bronson. While it may not be as well-known as some of Corman's later works, the film is nevertheless an important entry in the director's filmography and a must-see for fans of classic crime cinema.

Machine Gun Kelly is a 1958 crime movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 23 minutes.