Basically, this is Gilda II, putting Rita Hayworth and Glenn Ford in a similar situation, and even if they are playing different characters, do you know that there is a great deal of suspicion, mistrust and passion between them. That does make for an interesting film noir, but this doesn't have the pacing or class or tight script. What it lacks in that, it makes up in it's interesting performances, with characters also sorted and shady and for one, an eternal state of intoxication.
Down in Trinidad, Rita Hayworth's husband has been murdered, and when his brother, Glenn Ford, shows up, instant suspicion is cast on her with side eyes to the other sort of characters surrounding her. These individuals include the grasping power magnate Alexander Scourby, the wimpy George Voskovec, his grasping alcoholic wife Valerie Bettis and the sinister looking Steven Geray. the passion between Haworth and Ford goes from instant just trust to a heated kiss to a sudden slap across the face from Ford because of insinuations made against her.
Although the writers get the characterizations right, the details of the story are often convoluted and messy, disappointing considering the positive aspects of this film noir. the direction of Vincent Sherman is fine, and the art Direction and photography are fantastic as well. Hayworth gets to sing a couple of songs but they do not match the heat of "Put the Blame on Mame" from "Gilda". Wild Haworth certainly gets the looks and whistles for her beauty and seductiveness, it is Valerie Bettis who gets the best lines, and she delivers each one with delicious venom. Scourby is excellent as well. It's only a slight disappointment that will keep you glued but is missing that one ingredient to make it a real gem.
Down in Trinidad, Rita Hayworth's husband has been murdered, and when his brother, Glenn Ford, shows up, instant suspicion is cast on her with side eyes to the other sort of characters surrounding her. These individuals include the grasping power magnate Alexander Scourby, the wimpy George Voskovec, his grasping alcoholic wife Valerie Bettis and the sinister looking Steven Geray. the passion between Haworth and Ford goes from instant just trust to a heated kiss to a sudden slap across the face from Ford because of insinuations made against her.
Although the writers get the characterizations right, the details of the story are often convoluted and messy, disappointing considering the positive aspects of this film noir. the direction of Vincent Sherman is fine, and the art Direction and photography are fantastic as well. Hayworth gets to sing a couple of songs but they do not match the heat of "Put the Blame on Mame" from "Gilda". Wild Haworth certainly gets the looks and whistles for her beauty and seductiveness, it is Valerie Bettis who gets the best lines, and she delivers each one with delicious venom. Scourby is excellent as well. It's only a slight disappointment that will keep you glued but is missing that one ingredient to make it a real gem.