Katelyn Pomer Beth Caruso English 1103-003 3 April 2012 Adrift in the Depression-era, Marvin and Blanche Barrow

are forced into a life of crime. Similar to the Bonnie and Clyde tale, Marvin and Blanche have met under strange circumstances. In the film Forced to Be a Barrow, a new point of view of the Barrows tales will emerge showing Bonnie and Clyde were not the only contributors to the success of the many bank heist from the Barrows gang. This film will explore the other side showing what other options were out there. This movie will prove there is always another path. The Great Depression led to people becoming financially unstable, resulting in drastic lifestyle changes for most people. Many people became desperate in hope of a loop hole out of the horrible chaos. The Barrows gang wanted to help relieve some financial stress on the community. In order to do so, they began robbing banks. The main characters, Blanche and Marvin(Buck), are a part of the Barrows gang. However, it was only an act of brotherhood to their dear brother and friends that made this young couple become involved. Buck's brother, Clyde and his girlfriend, Bonnie, met in the same circumstances as Blanche and Buck. Both men were incarcerated in the state prison, while both women were married to a very violent man. Because they are brothers, they have similar traits making some of their decisions almost the same. Blanche and Bonnie, even though both are controlling, are nothing alike. Blanche's goal in life is to have a family where she can serve her husband while Bonnie wants to be a criminal on the run with all the power a man is said to have. How the women ultimately want to live their lives helps to carve a path for the two couples. Buck, a few years older than Clyde, has begun to mature. He no longer wants to be a criminal; he just wants to be with the woman of his dreams. In one of the first scenes, the idea of the two path

Comment [GPD1]: Although it is a bit confusing to follow at the beginning, the ideas are put out there and the main concept is grasped.

Comment [GPD2]: Heading is in proper MLA format, not worried much since it is a rough draft, just dont forget to number pages and include citations for any resources.

Comment [GPD3]: I think that more information should be included on what the Barrow Gang is, and how the brotherhood is formed/how Bonnie and Clyde & Blanche and Buck join. Also what were the hardships that people were going through during the Great Depression, give a description of what caused these people to become bank robbers, was it family hardships or friends that were barely staying alive? Comment [GPD4]: There seems to be a change in tone from the first paragraph to the rest of the paper, it kind of sounds as though the first paragraph is a narrative and the rest is informative.

Comment [GPD5]: How did robbing banks relieve financial stress caused from the Depression for others?

Comment [GPD6]: The paper does not seem to run as smoothly as it should but it is probably because further detail has yet to be included.

Comment [GPD7]: *had Comment [GPD8]: View verb tense agreement

ways becomes very present. The paths begin the same way with the brothers escaping prison and searching for their loved one. When finally in reach of starting a future together, both men are facing the decision on living life on the run or returning back to prison. Blanche immediately forces Buck back, while Clyde refuses to return and eventually is captured by the police. This scene is very important because this draws the line of who is responsibly and who is naive.

Stuff I want to edit and possibly add, or just delete it: Both are put in the similar if not same circumstances and are forced to make decisions that will ultimately affect their future. While researching the history of the gang, I came to realize their story is mainly focused on two lovers, Bonnie and Clyde, rather than the other members of the gang. By showing a different point of view, I believe the viewer will become more interested as well as educated about the whole barrows gang. This idea of doing wrong for the greater good of society is a repeating theme throughout history and is viewed as admirable by most people. This concept is present in the life of Frank Lucas, and in the story of Robin Hood. Robin Hood would steal from the rich and give to the poor, whereas Frank Lucas sold heroin in New York City and would use the profits to help out the poor neighborhoods by providing food, money, and jobs to those in need. The legend of Bonnie and Clyde has since inspired many individuals to give their take on the couple and their crimes through articles, movies, and even songs. Though there are many works about Bonnie and Clyde, most of the writers seem more focused either on the crimes they committed, or the love between the Borrow Gang.
Comment [GPD9]: There is still much that has yet to be written. I think that you should include why it is that Buck decides to follow Blanche and return to prison? Could they not have just left the country? I think it would also be interesting to include the relationship between Bonnie and Blanche while their husbands are in jail. Had they met before, since their husbands are brothers? Did they work on a project together?

Outline: Over view of movie Opposite paths Why is this movie important? Who are the main characters? Scene 3 *prison escape Why is this scene necessary? Scene 5 *request of involvement in gang Why is this scene necessary? Scene 7 *a bank heist Why is this scene necessary? Scene 13 *separating the gang Why is this scene necessary? Scene 14 *results of paths Why is this scene necessary? Overview of proposal/movie

completed without editing needs to be completed

Comment [GPD10]: In revising your paper I think you should focus on being more descriptive, going into detail about the lives of these characters. It is an interesting topic that will more than likely grab the attention of your reader.