The Love Merchant (1966)
** (out of 4)
Millionaire Kendall Harvey III (Judson Todd) pretty much enjoys women's company for a night and then pays them to help out whatever they might be suffering through. He offers this to Peggy (Patricia McNair) but she refuses his offer because she very much loves her husband. However, when the husband's business fails the wife thinks about offering herself to Kendall.
THE LOVE MERCHANT has gained some popularity over the last couple decades because of the similar plot it has with the Robert Redford-Demi Moore film INDECENT PROPOSAL. I might get kicked out of the sexploitation club for saying this but I preferred the glossier more sexual Hollywood film. I know, I know. With that said, I honestly don't believe the filmmakers of that film saw this one but either way, lets talk about this movie.
For the most part Joseph W. Sarno does a good job in his directing duties as he once again makes a very good looking picture and I think he also manages to get some fine performances from his cast. I thought the film did a good job at taking a look at lust and what it could cause from two different view points. The millionaire's lust leads to loneliness. The wife's lust leads to more drama. Both Todd and McNair are good in their roles.
Where the film goes wrong is the fact that it's extremely slow at times and this leaves the 79-minute running time to drag. I also thought the story could have been played up a little bit more as it's a bit too laid back for it own good. Fans of Sarno will certainly want to check it out but others will probably prefer his later work.
** (out of 4)
Millionaire Kendall Harvey III (Judson Todd) pretty much enjoys women's company for a night and then pays them to help out whatever they might be suffering through. He offers this to Peggy (Patricia McNair) but she refuses his offer because she very much loves her husband. However, when the husband's business fails the wife thinks about offering herself to Kendall.
THE LOVE MERCHANT has gained some popularity over the last couple decades because of the similar plot it has with the Robert Redford-Demi Moore film INDECENT PROPOSAL. I might get kicked out of the sexploitation club for saying this but I preferred the glossier more sexual Hollywood film. I know, I know. With that said, I honestly don't believe the filmmakers of that film saw this one but either way, lets talk about this movie.
For the most part Joseph W. Sarno does a good job in his directing duties as he once again makes a very good looking picture and I think he also manages to get some fine performances from his cast. I thought the film did a good job at taking a look at lust and what it could cause from two different view points. The millionaire's lust leads to loneliness. The wife's lust leads to more drama. Both Todd and McNair are good in their roles.
Where the film goes wrong is the fact that it's extremely slow at times and this leaves the 79-minute running time to drag. I also thought the story could have been played up a little bit more as it's a bit too laid back for it own good. Fans of Sarno will certainly want to check it out but others will probably prefer his later work.