Bonnie Parker

I have always been taken with the "Public Enemy Era" of American history. And Bonnie Parker, the gun moll of Clyde Barrow, has always been at the top of my list for any number of reasons. I have at least two major projects "on the list" involving this diminutive Texan, and when Andrea released a figure of Parker in their Gangland America series (Black Hawk Toy Soldier line), I thought it would be the ideal prelude to the more involved projects to follow. 

This figure is a pre-paint. As such, it is not the worst I have seen--but I have seen better. Consi- dering the srp, it provides excellent value--especially if you intend to refinish it yourself.

Casting quality is quite good, and the medium used--a hard, high-tin content pewter--is excellent! On the down side, pre-paint finishing leaves much to be desired, with most of the surface flaws hidden from view by a heavy coat of acrylic primer. Be that as it may, I would rather deal with an unfinished figure than a poorly finished figure with obliterated detail.

The figure is designed in three pieces: the one-piece figure; the display plinth; and the cigar. One- piece, mass-produced castings are inherently limited, and this one is no exception: the revolver, while adequately detailed, follows the contours of the skirt! I have yet to decide whether to work with what was provided, or replace it outright.

The likeness leaves something to be desired, but reworking the nose--as well as losing the cigar butt and reworking the lips!--will address the more obvious issues. Parker did not smoke cigars: the iconic photograph was from an undeveloped roll of film found in Joplin, MO, and it was one of a number of light-hearted "gag" shots taken during a break in the couple's frenetic life.

The other main drawback to the rendition is a somewhat immodest (for the time), relatively short, slide-slit skirt. The only reason for this gross exercise of artistic license is to give the subject a racier aspect. 

Back to the bench!

“When the cost of a hobby exceeds the fun and doesn't attract new people, the game is over.” -
Oscar Koveleski, August 2003