I saw this movie.....


....on its first release in 1957. I was aged about 20 at the time and found it so over the top that it was really funny (which I don't believe was the director's original intention).

It was so comical that I burst out laughing several times, as did many other members of the audience.

I have often wondered whether I was a part of some form of mass hysteria or perhaps it was simply the 'Mickey Rooney effect'? After all, he was mainly associated with comedies and it was difficult to take him seriously as a serious actor.

I would love the opportunity to see 'Baby Face Nelson' again and perhaps revise (or even confirm) my original impression.

At this moment in time, though, I find it difficult to understand why so many regard it as a great movie or see Rooney's performance as great.

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A great movie, not humorous at all. Many memorable and disquieting scenes especially when Nelso is on the verge of shooting two children - only stopping because his girlfriend is there. A testament to Rooney's great range - his capacity for serious acting as in "Bill", "Requiem for a Heavyweight" etc.

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