The Use of Real Guns in Old Movies: From 'Public Enemy' to 'Scarface'

Introduction

The era of old movies, especially gangster and western films, is renowned for its realism when depicting gun battles and shootouts. This article explores the historical use of real guns in famous films, particularly focusing on the techniques and controversies surrounding the use of blanks and real firearms. We will delve into key films like Public Enemy and Scarface and discuss the dangers associated with the real arsenal used on set.

The Early Days: Real Guns in 'Public Enemy'

The question often arises when a real gun or live weapons firing actual ammunition were used in old movies. Many classic films of the 1930s and 1940s, such as 'Public Enemy' featuring James Cagney and Little Caesar starring Edward G. Robinson, included scenes with live ammunition for added realism. These scenes were typically designed to create excitement, though they aimed to miss the actors to avoid injury.

According to historical accounts, in the movie Red Beach, filmed in the Philippines during the late 1960s, live ammunition was indeed used. However, this was limited to scenes where mannequins were used as targets, ensuring minimal risk. This method of using real guns in films continued as a practice until the mid-20th century, although it was occasionally dangerous, as seen in the case of the star of Gunsmoke, James Arness, who suffered hearing damage from multiple exposures to blanks.

The Revival of Real Guns: Westerns and Beyond

The heyday of western movies in the 1950s and 1960s saw prop departments amassing vast arsenals of real guns. These weapons, owned and stored by studios, could rival or even surpass the military stockpiles of small nations.

One method the U.S. military employed to safely produce realistic gun battles, especially during training exercises, was the use of blank firing adapters (BFAs). These devices were designed to replicate the look and sound of firing live ammunition without the danger. The M203 used in Scarface (1983), for instance, was a real weapon, and akin to BFAs, special modifications were made to allow them to cycle on blank ammunition without harming actors or crew members.

Modern Practices and Controversies

Modern movie-making has largely shifted away from the use of live ammunition to safety. Specialized prop guns, which closely mimic the look of real firearms, are equipped with mechanisms that allow them to cycle on blanks. This practice not only minimizes the risk of injury but also ensures a more controlled and predictable gun fight on set.

For instance, the film Heat, directed by Michael Mann, and the more recent Mosul, both feature realistic and intense gun battles. Specifically, Tom Kilmer's magazine switching technique in Heat is often cited as an example of how cinematic gun use can closely mimic real military training.

While modern practices have generally replaced the use of real firearms in filmmaking, the transition from live ammunition to prop guns and BFAs remains a fascinating topic. It is a testament to the evolution of both filmmaking techniques and safety standards over the years.

Conclusion

The integration of real firearms into old movies, particularly those from the 1930s to the early 1990s, brought a level of authenticity to gun battles that is unmatched by modern methods. Films like Public Enemy and Scarface showcase the risks and challenges of using real guns in filmmaking, while contemporary practices like BFAs and specialized prop guns have significantly enhanced safety and realism. As the film industry continues to innovate, the methods and technologies for realistic gun use will surely evolve, but the legacy of the early pioneers in this area remains an integral part of the cinematic landscape.