The St. Valentine's Day Massacre (1967)

66% of users liked it
(1,138 ratings)

Schlockmeister Roger Corman produced this graphically violent chronicle of the Chicago gangster wars of the 1920s and the events that lead to the bloody title showdown between rival mobsters Al Capone (Jason Robards) and Bugs Moran (Ralph Meeker) that marked a brutal end to a terrifying era. Fred… More Schlockmeister Roger Corman produced this graphically violent chronicle of the Chicago gangster wars of the 1920s and the events that lead to the bloody title showdown between rival mobsters Al Capone (Jason Robards) and Bugs Moran (Ralph Meeker) that marked a brutal end to a terrifying era. Fred Steiner's film score is effectively mixed with popular songs from the 1920s, and the re-creation of gangster-era Chicago is a credit to the set designers. Historic and insightful narration is dramatically provided by Paul Frees, giving the film the flavor of a docudrama. Jean Hale plays Moran's gun moll, who is mercilessly kneed in the stomach while arguing over a fur coat. Though The St. Valentine's Day Massacre was heralded by critics at the time of its initial release, their opinion of the film has changed with each decade as they waver on the cinematic value of all of Corman's work. Audiences continue to relish the film, which is often shown on the anniversary of the bloody executions. Watch for Jack Nicholson as one of the unfortunate victims. ~ Dan Pavlides, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 40 min.
Directed By: Roger Corman
Written By: Howard Browne
Genres: Drama, Action & Adventure, Mystery & Suspense, Cult Movies

In Theaters: Jun 30, 1967 Wide
Studio: 20th Century Fox

Critic Reviews

Steve Crum, Video-Reviewmaster.com
Shoot 'em up gangsters, Prohibition era, via Roger Corman.

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

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Featured Audience Ratings

AJ V

Corman fans should really see this one, it's very different from his other films, it's like a biographical/historical account of the St. Valentines Day Massacre events, which not many people know much about these days. I learned a lot from it, and it's entertaining… More
Corman fans should really see this one, it's very different from his other films, it's like a biographical/historical account of the St. Valentines Day Massacre events, which not many people know much about these days. I learned a lot from it, and it's entertaining too.
Pierluigi P

Concise, efective and entertaining depiction of the notorious bloodshed unleashed by Capone and Moran in 1920s Chicago. Inherits the narrative vigor and rhythm of urgency of the classic gangster flicks.

Cast

            Jason Robards as Al "Scarface" Capone

            George Segal as Peter Gusenberg

            Ralph Meeker as George "Bugs" Moran

            Jean Hale as Myrtle Nelson

            Clint Ritchie as "Machinegun Jack" McGurn

            Frank Silvera as Nicholas Sorello

            Richard Bakalyan as Senlisi

            David Canary as Frank Gusenberg

            Bruce Dern as John May

            Harold J. Stone as Frank "The Enforcer" Nitti

            Kurt Kreuger as James Clark

            Paul H. Frees as Narrator

            Paul Richards as Charles Fischetti

            Joe Turkel as Gusik

            Milton Frome as Adam Heyer

            Mickey Deems as Reinhart Schwimmer

            John Agar as Dion O'Bannion

            Celia Lovsky as Josephine Schwimmer

            Tom Reese as Ted Newberry

            Jan Merlin as Willie Marks

            Reed Hadley as Earl "Hymie" Weiss

            Gus Trikonis as Rio

            Charles Dierkop as Salvanti

            Tom Signorelli as Bobo Borotto

            Alex Rocco as Diamond

            Leo Gordon as Heitler

            Dan Ades as Little Jerry Molina

            Joseph Campanella as Al Wienshank

            Mary Grace Canfield as Mrs. Doody

            Alex D'Arcy as Joey Aiello

            Richard Krisher as Desk Clerk

            Dick Miller
            
            Barboura Morris as Jeanette Landsman

            Ken Scott as Policeman

            Joan Shawlee as Edna

            Dale Van Sickel
            
            Jack Nicholson as Gino

            Jack Del Rio
            
            Nick Borgani as Capone's Board Member

            Rico Cattani as Albert Anselmi

            Ron Gans as Chapman
See full cast