Chicago Joe and the Showgirl (1990)

During World War II, an American serviceman in London decides to impress his English girlfriend by acting as an American gangster, which soon turns deadly.

Director:

Bernard Rose

Writer:

David Yallop

Stars:

Emily Lloyd, Kiefer Sutherland, John Lahr

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
John Lahr	...	Radio commentator
Emily Lloyd	...	Betty Jones
Liz Fraser	...	Mrs. Evans
Kiefer Sutherland	...	Karl Hulten
Harry Fowler	...	Morry
Keith Allen	...	Lenny Bexley
Patsy Kensit	...	Joyce Cook
Angela Morant	...	Customer
John Surman	...	Mr. Cook
Janet Dale	...	Mrs. Cook
John Dair	...	John
Stephen Hancock	...	Doctor
Hugh Millais	...	U.S. colonel
Harry Jones	...	Taxi driver
Alexandra Pigg	...	Violet

Storyline

In World War II London, Karl Hulten is an American serviceman and Betty Jones is an aspiring showgirl. When they meet, passion and desire fuel a dangerous fantasy: he is the big-time gangster named Chicago Joe; she is his glamorous moll. They go for a reckless drive, they steal a fur coat, each time she dares him to take a wilder risk, and each time he proves himself. Until their lust for excitement demands nothing short of going "all the way" - to murder. This is the shocking true story of two strangers who meet, mingle and lack into a dangerous world of their own.

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Plot Keywords:

1940s | based on true story | lovers on the lam | crime spree | london england | 

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Taglines:

Attraction drew them together. Compulsion drew them to murder.

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Genres:

Crime | Drama | Romance | Thriller | War

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Certificate:

R

Did You Know?

Trivia

Despite director Bernard Rose's frequent claims during the UK publicity campaign for the film that it was "the greatest British film ever made," the film was not only a major flop but one of the worst reviewed films of the year.

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Goofs

When Ricky comes out of Joyce's house just before dusk the house lights are on -no black out and a passing police car and taxi don't have light shields.

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Connections

Features Double Indemnity (1944)

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Soundtracks

Cinema Organ Music
(uncredited)
Composed and Performed on cinema organ by Bill Davis

User Reviews

this film is totally misjudged!!!

I don't understand why most people don't like the film or even find it boring! It is one of my favorite films! I admit I don't know much about the true case, but I can tell you about the film as a fictional story: It is one of the most atmosperic films I know. The pictures are great. London's empty streets at night in wartime... the art directing really gives you the feeling of the time and place. The music, often pieces by Benny Goodman are brilliantly used to support situations and also of course is historically very well fitting. The dance scene is the most intense swing dance scene I have ever seen on film and I have seen all the Fred Astaire movies! The directing is very interesting and a bit experimental. It gives you a brilliant view into the inside of the characters. Georgina dreaming about fame and adventure likes to see "Ricky" as a really cool gangster, and herself with him as his stylish girl in his elegant car, -so we suddenly see them like that. It's an interessting and thrilling effect, not at last because especially Kiefer plays beautyfull with his charakter and the different ways he can be seen by Georgy, his actual girlfriend or the viewer. Also you get a really strong connection to Kiefer's character. I really started to feel sick and associated with him, feeling the nightmare, that he was in. Georgy is well played too, you get her childish curiosity and passion for danger, adventure and power, which is kind of charming at first, but then you also see her through "Ricky's" eyes as a demonic, dangerous killer, that is disgusting and terrifying in the same way as seductive. Even I, as being a woman can totally understand his conflict and the nightmare he is going through. I can not understand how this film can bore someone, I think it is a real treasure!

Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

27 July 1990 (USA)

Also Known As:

Chicago Joe

Filming Locations:

London, England, UK

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$14,979, 29 July 1990

Gross USA:

$85,395

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$85,395

Company Credits

Production Co:

BSB, Live Entertainment, New Line Cinema

Technical Specs

Runtime:

103 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color (Technicolor)