The Naked Kiss (1964)

User Rating:

7.4/10   

Director:

Samuel Fuller

Writer:

Samuel Fuller (written by)

Release Date:

29 October 1964 (USA)

Genre:

Drama

Tagline:

Candy's Place--where all kinds of men find all kinds of sweets!

Plot:

Kelly (Constance Towers), a prostitute, finds redemption in the town of Grantville, where she arrives working as a medium-time seller...

Plot Keywords:

Hospital | Prostitute | Bus Stop | Pedophilia | Brothel

Cast

Constance Towers	...	Kelly
Anthony Eisley	...	Capt. Griff
Michael Dante	...	J.L. Grant
Virginia Grey	...	Candy
Patsy Kelly	...	Mac, Head Nurse
Marie Devereux	...	Buff
Karen Conrad	...	Dusty
Linda Francis	...	Rembrandt
Bill Sampson	...	Jerry
Sheila Mintz	...	Receptionist
Patricia Gayle	...	Nurse
Jean-Michel Michenaud	...	Kip (as Gerald Michenaud)
George Spell	...	Tim
Christopher Barry	...	Peanuts
Patty Robinson	...	Angel Face

Also Known As:

The Iron Kiss

Runtime:

90 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.66 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono (Westrex Recording System)

Certification:

USA:Approved (PCA #20645)

Filming Locations:

Columbia/Warner Bros. Ranch - 411 N. Hollywood Way, Burbank, California, USA

Company:

Leon Fromkess-Sam Firks Productions

Trivia:

When Kelly arrives in Grantville, a movie marquee displays the title of the film Shock Corridor (1963), Samuel Fuller's previous film.

Quotes:

Candy: Nobody shoves dirty money in my mouth.

Movie Connections:

Edited into Dusk to Dawn Drive-In Trash-o-Rama Show Vol. 10 (2007) (V)

Soundtrack:

Little Child (Mon enfant)

The ultimate pulp fiction, high drama with Fuller's film definition of "emotions"

"Pickup on South Street" 1953, an 80-minute film noir gem, is a favorite of mine. Richard Widmark and Thelma Ritter (not just exceptional in romantic comedy supporting Rock Hudson and Doris Day in "Pillow Talk") were the two characters and performances I like best. Filmmaker Sam Fuller's creative writing, directing strength, and (indie) producing savvy continued to shine in "The Naked Kiss" 1964. It is the ultimate pulp fiction: high drama soap, touch of camp and tints of film noir. Beautifully shot in Black and White. Terrific cast with Constance Towers as Kelly, the central power of energy and charm, and undeterred determination; Anthony Eisley as Griff, the gruff, tough cop with a tender heart underneath; and the townsfolk of varying characters, nice and not-so-nice to downright sleazy, crooked ones, male or female, and a number of child performances for that matter. Yet with all this, there is a blossoming healthy, full of goodwill story about handicapped youngsters, being encouraged to stand up and be happy in spite of their weaknesses.

The opening segment (before the title/credits roll) is in itself an emphatic revelation. Kelly truly wants to turn over a new leaf, and she readily shares and helps others without guile. She is no loser. She's our heroine of the story. Tearjerker? Certainly can be. Thriller suspense, too? Definitely. Will she be innocently proclaimed? Will the witness precious be found? We would root for her, our Kelly. She is so 'gung ho' and downright nice to everyone (but she can also stand up tough against the 'bad' ones). Fuller's script runs its own natural course with surprises and satisfying plot twists never lacking.

This may not be for everyone (NFE). But if you can take high drama with wide human emotional range, appreciate energetic 'filmic' storytelling with intrigue, you'll enjoy this movie immensely. A Sam Fuller film doesn't disappoint but deserves applause practically guaranteed. His films are no fuss, straightforward and bold, frank and colorful in dialog, and there's the element of raw sophistication (sounds oxymoron, but life is full of contradictions). "The Naked Kiss" is available on DVD, Criterion Collection, widescreen, 91 minutes (just the right length).