i'm looking for the name of an old movie, probably from between the
years 1970 - 1986, and the only things i remember (and not very
clearly) are that the actors were children and the were like chicago
gangsters and had firearms that shoot cakes instead of bullets.  lots
of mini gangsters shooting cakes at each other and dying from getting
shot in the face., i would also like to know if i can purchase a copy
in any format.

Hello Levelnext,

The movie you recall is Bugsy Malone (1976). 

Plot Summary: 

"A gangster movie where all the gangsters are children. Instead of
real bullets they use "splurge guns" that cover the victim in cream."

IMDB
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0074256/


You can purchase a DVD copy on Amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002V7T0G/104-6619901-0859958


VHS copy
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/6300216888/104-6619901-0859958

I hope this helps!

Search criteria:
Bugsy Malone

Best regards, 
Bobbie7

HEY! that was fast!!! thankyou very much, you are great! did you know
the movie? cause i searched and searched with chilren, gangster, and
lots of the other words and never got a good result. anyway thankyou
very much, you deserve a tip!!

Thank you very much for the five stars and tip!

I answered your question immediately because I recognized the movie
from your description.

Bobbie7