This noirish crime thriller in the vein of Johnny O'Clock (1947) is fairly typical for the genre but still a decent flick. If for no other reason than for the chance to see cameos of your favorite childhood stars (if you're 50+ like me)! I was drawn to see Elizabeth Montgomery my favorite blonde Wiccan housewife (Bewitched (1964-72)) as the dark haired love interest of a gangster! Henry Silva most known as the "commie" of Manchurian Candidate (1962) is typecast as usual but in this case he carries the film in the titular role as Johnny Cool.
The cast is full of nostalgic favorites. Telly Savalas the deep throated lieutenant of Kojak (1973-1978) plays the organized crime boss and main antagonist. Rat packers, Sammy Davis, Jr. And Joey Bishop play small time crooks. John Irwin McGiver Silva's fellow costar from the Manchurian Candidate who played ill-fated US senator has a brief role as a casino manager. Jim Backus of Gilligan's Island (1964-67) fame expertly plays the corrupt politician and even treats us to a hearty Thurston Howell III chuckle!
The production values are wanting and at times the plot is too convoluted. I certainly lost track of the bad guys. There were too many to care about any. The premise is kind of ridiculous but still I enjoyed it especially seeing all my childhood favorites!
The cast is full of nostalgic favorites. Telly Savalas the deep throated lieutenant of Kojak (1973-1978) plays the organized crime boss and main antagonist. Rat packers, Sammy Davis, Jr. And Joey Bishop play small time crooks. John Irwin McGiver Silva's fellow costar from the Manchurian Candidate who played ill-fated US senator has a brief role as a casino manager. Jim Backus of Gilligan's Island (1964-67) fame expertly plays the corrupt politician and even treats us to a hearty Thurston Howell III chuckle!
The production values are wanting and at times the plot is too convoluted. I certainly lost track of the bad guys. There were too many to care about any. The premise is kind of ridiculous but still I enjoyed it especially seeing all my childhood favorites!