Cast
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John Ericson
as Charles Arthur 'Pretty Boy' Floyd
Barry Newman
as Al Riccardo
Roy Fant
as Jed Watkins
Joan Harvey
as Lil Courtney
Carl York
as Curly Winwell
Jason Evers
as Sheriff Blackie Faulkner
Effie Afton
as Ma Parks
Shirley Smith
as Ann Courtney
Casey Peyson
as Gail Crouder
Peter Falk
as Shorty Walters
Al Lewis
as Machine Gun Manny
Leo Bloom
as Ed Courtney
Norman Burton
as Bill Courtney
Philip Kenneally
as Baker
Charles Braswell
as Special Investigator Neil Trane
Crew
Director
- Herbert J. Leder
Writer
- Herbert J. Leder
Producer
- Monroe Sachson
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Pretty Boy Floyd examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Herbert J. Leder brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1960, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Pretty Boy Floyd took approximately 24 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 96 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 139 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 2035 individual shots.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 3 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 1960, when this film was released:
- Social and cultural revolution was transforming Western societies.
- The Vietnam War was becoming increasingly controversial.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Pretty Boy Floyd shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Way of the Dragon, which focuses more on action than character development, Pretty Boy Floyd offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Celebrity and He Got Game explore similar territory, Pretty Boy Floyd stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: January 1, 1960
- Runtime: 1h 36m
