Forget the formula plot, something about a paroled mob boss hiring Pete to find out who's after him. Instead catch two of the industry's premier baddies. There's giant-sized Bob Wilke and pint- sized Elisha Cook Jr. both getting major screen time. Wilke's the ex-mob boss, while Cook's a sidewalk revivalist. Considering Cook's many slimy roles, I kept expecting a lightning bolt to strike from above. Then too, hearing him croak out a gospel tune deserves a caustic quip from Bogart in their legendary The Maltese Falcon (1941). Also, catch busty blonde Claudia Barrett from cult turkey Robot Monster (1953) as Wilke's demure daughter and object of Edie's jealous wrath. But don't worry, our songbird and Pete do get a make-up cuddle.
All in all, it's solid Gunn, with color, style, and banter, if not storyline.
All in all, it's solid Gunn, with color, style, and banter, if not storyline.