Ruby (1977)

User Rating:

4.5/10   

Director:

Curtis Harrington

Writers:

George Edwards (writer)
Steve Krantz (story)

Release Date:

21 November 1977 (Sweden)

Genre:

Drama | Horror

Tagline:

A love affair with the supernatural.

Plot:

Sixteen years after Ruby Claire's gangster boyfriend was shot and killed by four associates, a series...

Plot Keywords:

Drive In | Gangster | Revenge | Nostalgia | Ghost

Awards:

1 nomination

Cast

Piper Laurie	...	Ruby Claire
Stuart Whitman	...	Vince Kemper
Roger Davis	...	Dr. Paul Keller
Janit Baldwin	...	Leslie Claire
Sal Vecchio	...	Nicky Rocco
Paul Kent	...	Louie
Len Lesser	...	Barney
Crystin Sinclaire	...	Lila June
Jack Perkins	...	Avery
Eddy Donno	...	Jess (as Edward Donno)
Fred Kohler Jr.	...	Jake Miller
Rory Stevens	...	Donny
Raymond Kark	...	1st Man
Jan Burrell	...	1st Woman
Kip Gillespie	...	Herbie

Also Known As:

Blood Ruby

Runtime:

85 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.66 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Certification:

Norway:16 | Argentina:18 (re-rating) | Argentina:X (original rating) | Australia:R | Finland:K-18 (cut) (1977) | Sweden:15 | UK:18 | USA:R

Trivia:

The producer chose to change the ending, and both Curtis Harrington and Piper Laurie refused to be involved in the re-shoot. It was allegedly shot by Stephanie Rothman, who has neither confirmed nor denied her involvement. This ending, featured in the TV commercials at the time of the theatrical release, helped make it the box office success it was.

Goofs:

Anachronisms: Set in 1951, the drive-in shows Attack of the 50 Foot Woman (1958) seven years too early.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in Alien Space Avenger (1989)

Soundtrack:

Ruby

Fun horror movie; well worth catching.

In the 1930's, gangster Nicky (Sal Vecchio) is betrayed by his own gang and rubbed out, with his mistress Ruby (Piper Laurie) witnessing. We move forward to the 1950's, and Ruby is now a faded starlet running a drive-in movie theater (specializing in films like "Attack of the 50 Ft. Woman") with the members of the gang on the staff. Shortly, the gang members are violently taken out one at a time, while Ruby's mute daughter (Janit Baldwin) seems to be taking on the personality of her late father.

As my introduction to the low-budget suspense films of B-movie expert Curtis Harrington (who sadly passed away just months ago), "Ruby" was a lot of fun and a good primer for me. Harrington is one of those film-makers who can make the most out of a low budget; this is well-directed and has atmosphere to spare. It's a creepy, chilly shocker with some good death sequences; one that involves a cold-drink machine is particularly memorable. The music by Don Ellis was wonderful and also added immeasurably to the mood.

Laurie's follow up vehicle to her memorable comeback performance as the obsessed, heartless mother in "Carrie" provides her with another good showcase; here she's often just as flamboyant and scene-stealing, but at least this time she gets to play a character more sympathetic. Stuart Whitman and Roger Davis are good in support, with special mention going to Baldwin, who is a striking, wide-eyed presence who commands a certain amount of attention without the benefit of dialog.

The only debit for me was an abrupt, silly ending, although that is not the fault of the director; he intended for something more poetic, but the producer intervened and stuck us with what we now have.

I really loved "Ruby", flaws and all. I'm sure it made for a great drive-in B picture itself back in its day; although it still works fairly well on a small screen.

I easily recommend this one.

9/10