Directed by horror Maestro Roger Corman, Shelley Winters puts in a blistering performance as Ma, abandoning her weak husband and leading her brood off on a brutal crime spree in Depression-era America. Alongside Ma, the family unit comprises sadistic Herman (Don Stroud), masochistic homosexual Fred (Robert Walden) fresh out of prison and accompanied by his junkie lover Kevin Dirkman (Bruce Dern), drug-addict Lloyd (Robert De Niro) and wallflower Arthur (Clint Kimbrough): all held together by incest and murder. When Ma decides to kidnap wealthy local politician Sam Pendlebury (Pat Hines), the family dynamic is torn asunder as he unwittingly becomes the father figure the boys never had, and finally enables them to stand up to her.

Hailed as a breakthrough in early exploitation cinema, Bloody Mama is also notable for its extraordinary cast, which includes the formidable trio of Don Stroud, Bruce Dern, and, in his first major screen role, Robert De Niro.

Bloody Mama (1970) will get its first ever UK DVD release on 29th June 2009 from Optimum Home Entertainment at an RRP that's yet to be announced. Extras are also awaiting confirmation on this one. Dare we hope that the film's cult status is matched by appropriate special features?