Melvin Purvis G-MAN

Melvin Purvis G-MAN (1974), VHS cover

The Legend of Machine Gun Kelly (1974), poster of alternate title

Melvin Purvis G-MAN is a 1974 television movie that is a spin-off of the 1973 film Dillinger. Like Dillinger, this film was written by John Milius, but directing duties were handled by Dan Curtis (The Winds of War). Dale Robertson took over the role of Melvin Purvis from Ben Johnson, and continued to portray Purvis as a seasoned and almost regal law enforcement veteran, even though the real Purvis was only thirty years old the year this film was set. The film plays very fast and loose with the facts, starting in December of 1933, even though the real Machine Gun Kelly (Harris Yulin) had been sentenced to life imprisonment in October of 1933. Dale Robertson would return as Melvin Purvis the following year in The Kansas City Massacre.

The following weapons were used in the film Melvin Purvis G-MAN:

Handguns

Star Model B

Like many films of the era, the Star Model B stands in for the M1911. Almost all the characters use one at one point or another. Melvin Purvis (Dale Robertson) is seen using a nickel-plated model, like in Dillinger.

Star Model B Pistol, blued finish - 9x19mm

Thomas "Buckwheat" Longaker (Elliott Street) playfully aims a Star Model B at his brother Jim.

"Kate" Katherine Ryan-Kelly (Margaret Blye) sticks her Star Model B in the face of Thatcher Covington (Dick Sargent).

Thatcher Covington and Sam Cowley (Steve Kanaly) open fire on the elder Longaker while Melvin Purvis (Dale Robertson) takes cover. Notice that Cowley's pistol has jammed. Unlike many films which would ignore such a thing, Cowley actually takes a moment to clear the jam a second later.

Kate fires on FBI agents on a roof.

Purvis with Cowley's pistol.

Buckwheat surrenders his pistol. This shot shows the lack of a grip safety.

Smith & Wesson Model 10

Charles "Charlie" Parlmetter (Matt Clark) carries a Smith & Wesson Model 10.

Smith & Wesson Model M&P Revolver with 5" Barrel - .38 Special

Charlie with his S&W 10 after "Gene" Eugene T. Farber (David Canary) is shot.

Colt Official Police

One of the Tupelo cops opens fire with a Colt Official Police.

Colt Official Police - 4" Barrel - .38 Special

The cop to the rear with the Official Police.

Smith & Wesson Model 20

One of the Tupelo cops opens fire with a Smith & Wesson Model 20.

Smith & Wesson Model 20 - .38/44

The cop in the forefront with the S&W 20.

Colt Single Action Army

"Tony" Anthony Redecci (John Karlen) is briefly seen with a Colt Single Action Army.

Colt Single Action Army w/ 7.5" barrel known as the "Cavalry" model.

Shotguns

Double Barreled Shotgun

Numerous characters use Double Barreled Shotguns throughout the film.

J. Stevens and Company Side by Side Shotgun (Circa 1878) exposed hammers and designed to fire Black Powder shotgun shells - 12 Gauge

Buckwheat with his shotgun over his shoulder.

The elder Longaker (Bob Pinson) opens fire with his shotgun.

Buckwheat reloads his shotgun.

Winchester Model 1897

Numerous characters from both sides use Winchester Model 1897 shotguns throughout the film.

Winchester Model 1897 Riot Gun - 12 Gauge

"Tony" Anthony Redecci (John Karlen) herds the kitchen staff with his shotgun.

Tony with his shotgun on Thatcher Covington.

An FBI agent cycling his shotgun.

Tony returning fire.

Kate holds a shotgun on Tony.

Remington Model 870

Numerous characters from both sides use Remington Model 870 shotguns throughout the film.

Remington 870 Field Gun with raised barrel ribbing and 28" barrel - 12 Gauge

One of Buckwheat's friends fires upon the FBI.

A shot of the pump and tube nut as he goes down.

Submachine Guns

M1928 Thompson

Numerous characters from both sides use M1928 Thompson submachine guns throughout the film. It's the "Machine Gun" in "Machine Gun Kelly" (Harris Yulin).

M1928 "Tommy Gun" or "Chicago typewriter" with 50-round drum magazine - .45 ACP

Machine Gun Kelly (Harris Yulin) sprays a bank with his Thompson.

Kate with a Thompson.

Thatcher Covington casually handling a Thompson in Purvis' office.

Purvis chambers a round into his Thompson.

Kelly with a Thompson that has a 30-round box magazine instead of the drum magazine.

Rifles/Carbines

Winchester Model 1892

FBI agents and local law enforcement officers are armed with Winchester Model 1892 carbines.

Winchester 1892 Saddle Ring Carbine - .32WCF/.38-40/.44-40/.25-20.

The boy in the front row with a saddle carbine.

The saddle ring is visible in this shot as well.

A deputy fires on Kelly's car.

M1903 Springfield

A local deputy is seen with a M1903 Springfield. Another one is seen in a gun rack in Melvin Purvis' office.

Springfield M1903 Mk 1 - .30-06

A deputy with his Springfield.

Miscellanea

Gun Rack

Melvin Purvis has a gun rack in the office, which has two Thompsons, and yet still has a subordinate carry a disassembled Thompson in a briefcase for him.