Flashbacks to his childhood and World War II service show our narrator's strong bond with guns...
In the present, our elderly storyteller James Coburn (as Martin Tillman) lives in Vermont, with his beautiful wartime bride Barbara Bain (as Anne). Their snowy Christmas is brightened by a visit from daughter Virginia Madsen (as Penny). The family has overcome life's problems, and is a obviously a loving unit. During an immaculately prepared dinner, we learn details about the family's latest crisis - Mr. Coburn's granddaughter Alexandra Holden (as Mia) has run away from home. While daughter Madsen takes care of some Christmas shopping, Coburn secretly meets with young Holden. Or, so it seems Writer/director Alan Jacobs tells a good story about a man coming to grip with tragedy; secondarily, we see the consequences of being quick on the trigger...
In hindsight, you can see the intent, but "American Gun" has some serious editing flaws. There is also one unforgivable "cheat" - during one of the film's shootings, a sound effect does not coincide with later events. The film tells the story of the "American Gun" responsible for the tragedy that befalls Coburn. He decides to trace ownership of the offending .357 Magnum, which he is able to obtain from the local police. Using the serial number, Coburn finds out how the gun was used across America. At the same time, Coburn looks for his granddaughter (who goes to the restroom without her purse). Most notably, this was the last feature film for Coburn (and, surprisingly, his real-life young wife Paula O'Hara, who play an attractive woman with car trouble).
***** American Gun (6/13/02) Alan Jacobs ~ James Coburn, Barbara Bain, Virginia Madsen, Alexandra Holden
In the present, our elderly storyteller James Coburn (as Martin Tillman) lives in Vermont, with his beautiful wartime bride Barbara Bain (as Anne). Their snowy Christmas is brightened by a visit from daughter Virginia Madsen (as Penny). The family has overcome life's problems, and is a obviously a loving unit. During an immaculately prepared dinner, we learn details about the family's latest crisis - Mr. Coburn's granddaughter Alexandra Holden (as Mia) has run away from home. While daughter Madsen takes care of some Christmas shopping, Coburn secretly meets with young Holden. Or, so it seems Writer/director Alan Jacobs tells a good story about a man coming to grip with tragedy; secondarily, we see the consequences of being quick on the trigger...
In hindsight, you can see the intent, but "American Gun" has some serious editing flaws. There is also one unforgivable "cheat" - during one of the film's shootings, a sound effect does not coincide with later events. The film tells the story of the "American Gun" responsible for the tragedy that befalls Coburn. He decides to trace ownership of the offending .357 Magnum, which he is able to obtain from the local police. Using the serial number, Coburn finds out how the gun was used across America. At the same time, Coburn looks for his granddaughter (who goes to the restroom without her purse). Most notably, this was the last feature film for Coburn (and, surprisingly, his real-life young wife Paula O'Hara, who play an attractive woman with car trouble).
***** American Gun (6/13/02) Alan Jacobs ~ James Coburn, Barbara Bain, Virginia Madsen, Alexandra Holden