The 100-word flash fiction installment today was inspired by familiar scenes from crime “B” movies from the 1940s and later.   A “B” movie was a low-budget film, generally starring less-than-well-known actors.  The movies were intended to be the second–and less publicized–films in double features.  By the late 1960s double features disappeared from most theaters, except drive-ins and the need for “B” movies declined.  The term survives, particularly among baby boomer film fans.  I didn’t copy this  story from a movie, but I could have.

‘B’ Movie Plot

Dashing off the curb, the teenager ripped open the car door and jumped into the passenger seat.   He aimed a small caliber semi-automatic at the driver.

Al Marino was unperturbed. “Jacking cars, kid? That’s no way to make a living.   Know who I am? I could use someone like you.”

“Pull around the corner,” the young man said.

“Sure, kid.”   Marino turned the luxury sedan and stopped.   “You’re making a mistake.”

“No mistake. I ain’t no ‘jacker. This is for my sister you got hooked on smack. Now she’s a ’ho’.”

Marino thought the kid wouldn’t shoot. He was wrong.

Stunning example of a “B” crime movie.