Scott LeBrun "Little Laura and Big John" is an obviously low, low budgeted, and regional production that may not be based on the "Bonnie & Clyde" story, but certainly owes something of a debt to it. It actually tells the true story of the John Ashley gang, which terrorized the Florida countryside in the 1920s. Ashley (former singing idol Fabian Forte) is the charismatic ringleader, and beloved character actress Karen Black is "Little Laura", his sweetheart. They ultimately run afoul of a Sheriff (noted character actor Paul Gleason) who realizes that he will have to shut them down, but GOOD.Taken on its own terms, "Little Laura and Big John" is an okay movie, no more. Fabian and Black won't make you forget Beatty and Dunaway anytime soon, but they do alright. (However, one might wish that Black were given a little more to do.) Directed by a man named Luke Moberly, and scripted by Moberly and Bob Woodburn, it doesn't overflow with filmmaking talent, but does get by thanks to its flavourful rural atmosphere. Moberly and company do whatever they can to recreate the period, with whatever limited means they had. The film actually begins with a narrated overview of criminal activity during this era, citing key players like Capone and Schultz, and the activities of people like Pretty Boy Floyd in the more rural areas. Then it segues into the story proper. The oddest element is that the character of Laura's mother (Ivy Thayer) does some of the narration, straight to the camera. An offbeat score and some silly but catchy songs are - how shall I put it? - interesting to hear. Some viewers may be pleased to note that the film is violent without being particularly gory. However, the storytelling can get awfully incoherent at times.Not very many people in this cast have substantial acting experience, other than Black and Gleason. Even Fabian comes off as more professional than a lot of the locally selected thespians hired for the production. Still, this viewer will give some of them credit for at least being fairly spirited, in particular Ken Miller as goofy, upbeat Hanford.While this viewer doesn't feel that the picture is nearly as worthless as some people make it out to be, there's really nothing all that great about it either.Five out of 10.

jgpony "Little Laura and Big John" was not based on Bonnie and Clyde, but on the true story of the capture of the infamous Ashley Gang at the Sebastian inlet bridge in Florida. It is not particularly well done, however, it is very interesting to residents of the Treasure Coast because of its historical significance. The movie depicts the gang as they rob banks and kill on a northward path along the Gold and Treasure Coasts of Florida, running just ahead of the then sheriff of Palm Beach County, who was determined to end their violent rampages. In addition to the well known professional cast, numerous local citizens (amateurs)took extra parts as deputies, bystanders, etc. While this was great fun for the locals, the practice of utilizing so many amateurs did nothing to enhance the quality of the film. The movie is something Karen Black probably wishes she had never done. It is poorly acted, poorly directed and generally as captivating as a high school video class's production.

Loree My entertainment of this movie was laughing at it. I think the point when it really goes over the edge was when Fabian's eye patch actually switched from his one eye to his other eye and back again. I thought this was such an obvious mistake that I rewound and watched the one scene again. He is running on a dock when this happens. Sure enough his eye patch switched eyes with no explanation.I watched this movie because it was on late night and it was free. And I was interested in seeing Karen Black and Fabian Forte in a movie together. So it was an okay movie for that type of watching. But if you really want to see a movie about lovers being outlaws. I would stick to Bonnie and Clyde with Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway.

theeht It's hard to believe that Karen Black appeared in this terrible, extremely low=budget travesty, when she was already established as a star. Perhaps it was filmed years earlier and released after she became popular. Filmed in Florida, it's pretty torturous to sit through, and is recommended only for Karen fans, since she does look especially attractive, in black eyeliner. Aside from this, there's little else to remark on.