The Gun in Betty Lou’s Handbag ** (1992, Penelope Ann Miller, Eric Thal, Cathy Moriarty, Julianne Moore, Alfre Woodard, William F Forsythe, Xander Berkeley) – Classic Movie Review 11,624

Director Allan Moyle’s 1992 screwball comedy thriller The Gun in Betty Lou’s Handbag stars Penelope Ann Miller, Eric Thal, Cathy Moriarty, Julianne Moore, Alfre Woodard, William F Forsythe, Xander Berkeley, Michael O’Neill, Christopher John Fields, Billy Neal, Andy Romano and Meat Loaf.

Penelope Ann Miller stars as meek, bored New Orleans librarian Betty Lou Perkins, who finds a gun used in a murder, and after firing it by mistake, confesses to the murder that she didn’t commit to add a little excitement to her life. Then of course she gets more than she bargained for when the real killer comes after her, in this contrived comedy thriller.

Alas, a decently offbeat idea and a quirky, fairly intriguing script (by Grace Cary Bickley) go astray, despite a spunky star turn from the redoubtable Miller.

It is produced by Scott Kroopf and distributed by Touchstone Pictures for Interscope Communications.

Rock and roll recording pioneer Cordell Jackson plays a bit part as Bathroom Woman.

Penelope Ann Miller is celebrated for her starring role in The Relic (1997).

Derek Winnert 2021 Classic Movie Review 11,624

Link to Derek Winnert’s home page for more reviews: http://derekwinnert.com