Two detectives seek a stripper's killer in the Japanese quarter of Los Angeles, but a love triangle threatens their friendship.
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The Crimson Kimono
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The Crimson Kimono (1959) | Blu-ray Review
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Title: The Crimson Kimono (1959)
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Cast
| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
| Victoria Shaw | ... | Christine Downs | |
| Glenn Corbett | ... | Det. Sgt. Charlie Bancroft | |
| James Shigeta | ... | Det. Joe Kojaku | |
| Anna Lee | ... | Mac | |
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Paul Dubov | ... | Casale |
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Jaclynne Greene | ... | Roma |
| Neyle Morrow | ... | Hansel | |
| Gloria Pall | ... | Sugar Torch | |
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Pat Silver | ... | Mother (as Barbara Hayden) |
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George Yoshinaga | ... | Willy Hidaka |
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Kaye Elhardt | ... | Nun |
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Aya Oyama | ... | Sister Gertrude |
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George Okamura | ... | Charlie, karate teacher |
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Ryosho S. Sogabe | ... | Priest (as Reverend Ryosho S. Sogabe) |
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Bob Okazaki | ... | George Yoshinaga (as Robert Okazaki) |
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Plot Summary
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Storyline
Classic, hard-to-find Sam Fuller pic is intriguing noir about two detective partners, one caucasian and one Japanese, who try to solve a complicated murder case. Unfortunately, trouble arises when along the way, both of them fall in love with the key witness! Written by Mark Toscano <fiddybop@uclink4.berkeley.edu>
Taglines:
Yes, this is a beautiful American girl in the arms of a Japanese boy!Parents Guide:
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Details
Country:
USARelease Date:
5 May 1960 (Mexico) See more »Also Known As:
El kimono escarlata See more »Company Credits
Show more on
IMDbPro »
Technical Specs
Runtime:
Sound Mix:
Mono (RCA Sound Recording)Color:
Black and WhiteAspect Ratio:
1.85 : 1
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Did You Know?
Trivia
In Nov. 1959, Columbia Pictures distributed this film on a double bill with Battle of the Coral Sea (1959) starring Cliff Robertson. See more »Goofs
The final aerial shot pulling back from the streets of Los Angeles is running backwards, evidenced by the vehicle headlights all running backwards. See more »Quotes
Mac: [said to Chris, as she puffs on a cigar] Smoking a cigarette is like drinking beer out of a thimble. A man is only a man, my dear, but a good cigar is a smoke.See more »
The Crimson Kimono is one of the coolest detective films I've seen so far. The story follows two detective buddies Charlie Bancroft (Glenn Corbett) and Japanese-American Joe Kojaku (James Shigeta) as they investigate a murder case, and they came upon Christine Downs (Victoria Shaw), a beautiful painter with whom both men fall in love. Eventually Christine fell in love with Joe's poetic and sensitive nature. Tension arose between the two detectives as Charlie became furious since Joe stole his girl. Joe however doesn't hesitate to accuse his friend of racism. In the bold finale, it all ends with one of the most daring scenes ever filmed, even by today's standards.
First of all, this is a remarkably refreshing film, and that is because the story revolves around the psyche of the Japanese detective, as well as to sympathise with him. Samuel Fuller did not pull any punches here; the film is filled with those Fuller trademarks, such as the sudden occasional facial close-ups, to the starkly honest and down-to-earth dialogues. The ending scene was especially rewarding, when detective Joe Kojaku learns about the true nature of his heart ... it was delivered with such boldness and subtlety at the same time. James Shigeta, the actor who played detective Kojaku, is a great leading actor. He has a really soothing baritone voice that draws you into his character, one which at first doesn't seem to be prominent but later turns out to be the film's most complex character.
Still refreshing even by today's standards, this is an intelligent movie. It's a shame that the late Samuel Fuller never got a chance to re-release this film, as I learned that this movie isn't available on the shelves anymore. Highly recommended by anyone who ever gets a chance to get their lucky hands on this piece of brilliant film-noir.