Public Enemies

This synthetic retelling of the Ma Barker legend vibrates with lip-smacking sex and blood pellet-spattering violence, but to little avail. Featuring a large cast of actors who seem uncomfortable in their period costumes, PUBLIC ENEMIES is far inferior to Roger Corman's BLOODY MAMA, which delved into the Barker clan's psychosexual dynamics much more credibly.

Sexually abused by her father and brothers, little Kate Clarke (Leah Best) runs off and becomes a succeessful moonshiner in a male-dominated crimescape. The grown Kate (Theresa Russell) catches the eye of decent drudge George Barker (Richard Eden), and they marry. After raising four headstrong sons, she tir...