I watched this because I'm a huge fan of the Huston family of father (Walter) and son (John).
Here's my breakdown:
STORY: Not the best story out of Huston, but maybe that's partly due to the collaboration with Burnett (can't say yet).
For those of you happy with the rigid roles and scripts of the era then this will probably suit just fine.
But I watch Huston's work because he tends to color outside the lines, but with balance and professionalism.
This story is one cliche joined to another, and so on, until I just got tired. Cliches are gross generalizations and become boxes that clip creativity, not support it. I'm OK with some, but this is like a cliche marathon.
ACTING: No one takes home any kudos here, but I was deeply offended by the brazen (yes, brazen) racism here. Yeesh!
I will note that Lupino's skills were way beyond this role, and that's evident by her lengthy directing portfolio, e.g. "On Dangerous Ground" (1951). Sadly, she switched to TV-only in '56, and you (may) know how I feel about TV.
ENTERTAINMENT: Moderate value for most
TEMPO: Fine
CINEMATOGRAPHY: For its time, this was excellent with even the "outdoor sets" looking believable
MUSIC / SOUND: Typical, but well-tempered
DIRECTING / WRITING: Director: Walsh had a crazy 148 films directed. Wow. I've seen enough of his films to say that he was consistent and professional, but volume did not produce creative outcomes (IMO).
Writers: Out of 69 screenplays to film, Burnett only wrote one (1) film I could recommend: "The Asphalt Jungle" (1950).
Is it a good film? Yes, but average for its era
Should you watch this once? Yes, if you got a thing for "Bogey"
Rating: 7.1.
Here's my breakdown:
STORY: Not the best story out of Huston, but maybe that's partly due to the collaboration with Burnett (can't say yet).
For those of you happy with the rigid roles and scripts of the era then this will probably suit just fine.
But I watch Huston's work because he tends to color outside the lines, but with balance and professionalism.
This story is one cliche joined to another, and so on, until I just got tired. Cliches are gross generalizations and become boxes that clip creativity, not support it. I'm OK with some, but this is like a cliche marathon.
ACTING: No one takes home any kudos here, but I was deeply offended by the brazen (yes, brazen) racism here. Yeesh!
I will note that Lupino's skills were way beyond this role, and that's evident by her lengthy directing portfolio, e.g. "On Dangerous Ground" (1951). Sadly, she switched to TV-only in '56, and you (may) know how I feel about TV.
ENTERTAINMENT: Moderate value for most
TEMPO: Fine
CINEMATOGRAPHY: For its time, this was excellent with even the "outdoor sets" looking believable
MUSIC / SOUND: Typical, but well-tempered
DIRECTING / WRITING: Director: Walsh had a crazy 148 films directed. Wow. I've seen enough of his films to say that he was consistent and professional, but volume did not produce creative outcomes (IMO).
Writers: Out of 69 screenplays to film, Burnett only wrote one (1) film I could recommend: "The Asphalt Jungle" (1950).
Is it a good film? Yes, but average for its era
Should you watch this once? Yes, if you got a thing for "Bogey"
Rating: 7.1.