An archetypal fifties roadshow flick – which, if you don't know, means that it showcases material too strong for regular bookings. The credits proudly announce that it was "Produced Under Personal Supervision" of exploitation maestro George Weiss, and it stars two of the genre's most recognizable veterans, Timothy Farrell and Harry Keaton. But in spite of this sterling pedigree, Girl Gang might not otherwise be very watchable. It's weighed down by long sequences in which the principals demonstrate the mechanics of shooting up heroin in dreary, drawn-out detail. Even for a 1954 audience the shock value of this dismal process must have worn off quickly, given the static presentation.
But GG's lame execution is offset by its one splendid asset – the completely fabulous Joanne Arnold. Although she had face, form, and figure to spare, Miss Arnold's real appeal is the deliciously cool, laid-back vibe she brings to her character of June. You remember all those film noir leading ladies in the fifties, busy emoting all over the place? Well, Miss Arnold never allows her thesping to be tainted by any high-culture pathos. No matter how sleazy the business at hand, her bad-girl persona remains unflappably natural and unforced. She makes depravity look as easy as falling off a log – or in her case, as easy as falling into bed with the boss she's going to blackmail.
There's a further aspect of GG that will endear it to gents of a certain age (geezers as old as the nostalgiste, in other words). Several of the "gang" members were actually popular pin-up models of the era: marvelous Mary Metier, prim Peggy Winters, and likable Thelma Montgomery. Now, fans may not recognize them right away in their movie get-ups. They're wearing long pencil skirts, loafers, and even bobby socks - quite a contrast to their normal working attire. Which would have been, ah, nothing at all. But this is apparently their only feature film – don't pass up this chance to see them with their clothes on!
Scattered throughout the running time are some additional redemptive bits that can generate chuckles. There's the incidental music; there's Timothy Farrell's kissing technique; and best of all, there's the sex club initiation room with its flashing "occupied" light (no, I can't explain this, you've got to see it). But the real filling in this cheesecake is Joanne Arnold. And what a tasty booze, bullet, and dope-laced filling it is!
But GG's lame execution is offset by its one splendid asset – the completely fabulous Joanne Arnold. Although she had face, form, and figure to spare, Miss Arnold's real appeal is the deliciously cool, laid-back vibe she brings to her character of June. You remember all those film noir leading ladies in the fifties, busy emoting all over the place? Well, Miss Arnold never allows her thesping to be tainted by any high-culture pathos. No matter how sleazy the business at hand, her bad-girl persona remains unflappably natural and unforced. She makes depravity look as easy as falling off a log – or in her case, as easy as falling into bed with the boss she's going to blackmail.
There's a further aspect of GG that will endear it to gents of a certain age (geezers as old as the nostalgiste, in other words). Several of the "gang" members were actually popular pin-up models of the era: marvelous Mary Metier, prim Peggy Winters, and likable Thelma Montgomery. Now, fans may not recognize them right away in their movie get-ups. They're wearing long pencil skirts, loafers, and even bobby socks - quite a contrast to their normal working attire. Which would have been, ah, nothing at all. But this is apparently their only feature film – don't pass up this chance to see them with their clothes on!
Scattered throughout the running time are some additional redemptive bits that can generate chuckles. There's the incidental music; there's Timothy Farrell's kissing technique; and best of all, there's the sex club initiation room with its flashing "occupied" light (no, I can't explain this, you've got to see it). But the real filling in this cheesecake is Joanne Arnold. And what a tasty booze, bullet, and dope-laced filling it is!