bugsmoran29 I saw this movie when it was first released in the Sixties and I have seen it many times over the years. I still enjoy it with every viewing and I think it ranks in my top five all-time gangster movies. The St. Valentine Massacre screenplay was written by Howard Browne who was actually a young reporter in Chicago at the time the story unfolded. I found the Moran gang of Irish and German hoods more interesting than the Italian and Jewish mobsters of the Capone outfit. I have also found that the New York Irish gangsters like Owen Madden, Mad Dog Coll and Legs Diamond more fascinating than their Italian and Jewish counterparts like Benny Siegel, Frank Costello and company. The Irish were more like cowboys, rogues and desperadoes while the Italians and Jews were boring businessmen in suits.

Dalbert Pringle Favorite movie quote - "They don't call that guy 'Bugs' for nothing!" (snicker-snicker) Yep. I was really surprised to find out that 1967's The St. Valentine's Day Massacre (or, TSVDM, for short) was, in fact, directed by Roger Corman, the undisputed "king" of super low-budget horror and teen exploitation films of the 1950s and 60s.(And, I must say that I was quite impressed) Up to this point in his film-making career Corman had been directing "quickies" with budgets in the $250,000 range (or less). But, then, with this picture he was handed a cool million to throw around. And, by what I saw, I don't think that he recklessly squandered that dough on this production.Set in the year 1929 (in the crime-drenched metropolis of Chicago), TSVDM's story is, indeed, based on actual events that led up to a very special sort of Valentine's Day surprise that made the most sensational headlines that you could possibly imagine.Featuring plenty of swell-looking cars, cheap-looking whores, and deadly, drive-by shootings, TSVDM is an exciting gangster picture of treachery and double-crosses that, convincingly enough, captures the nostalgic feel of a "Depression Era" America.Other than a few "damns", and a couple of "hells", thrown in for good measure, this rough, tough macho-man picture contained no profanity, whatsoever.My one big beef about this picture has to do with the gross miscasting of actor Jason Robards as the ruthlessly violent Al Capone character.I mean, let's face it, Capone was, without question, one of the meanest and lousiest bastards imaginable. And, nope, I'm sorry to say, Robards just didn't cut the mustard with his portrayal. No way, Jose.

JoeKarlosi Helmed by low budget independent filmmaker Roger Corman, this was a pleasant surprise and perhaps the best directed film I've ever seen of his. Corman pulls no punches in delivering a brutal and action-packed account of organized crime war in the 1920s, centering on the friction between Al Capone and "Bugs" Moran, and ultimately leading up to the historical title climax. Featuring a good cast, including: George Segal, who's rarely better than he is here -- Ralph Meeker (Moran) --Corman's standby Dick Miller, Bruce Dern, and the intensified Jason Robards as Al Capone, in a part many feel he was miscast for. I thought Robards was a hoot, and a lot of fun in the part. One detriment for me was the frequent narration which began to get irritating, needlessly telling us the birthdate of every character on screen. ***1/2 out of ****

lastliberal The snow was falling hard covering the streets and cars in Chicago. With such an opening, you might think this was another Christmas film. But, it was February, Valentine's Day, and Al Capone's (Jason Robards) boys were going to spread a little love to Bugs Moran (Ralph Meeker) and his gang.Chigago native, Jason Robards (All the President's Men, Julia) made a great Al Capone, even if he wasn't Sicilian. He was supported by a great cast that included Bruce Dern (Coming Home) and Jack Nicholson (One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, As Good as It Gets).The documentary style employed by director Roger Corman (Frankenstein Unbound, The Wild Angels) really made the film as it was all based on true facts.