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Loophole (1954)
MacGraw and Hughes SIZZLE
This is a pretty interesting tale of an average Joe bank teller who is wrongly accused of masterminding a robbery at his bank. The story moves along, the acting is good, and the direction is adept. The movie really ignites flames when CHARLES MACGRAW, as a vengeful bail bondsman, and MARY BETH HUGHES, as a platinum blond femme fatale, are on screen. They both light up the screen with their world-wary, jaded, magnetism. I wish the film had been about them instead of rather dull BARRY SULLIVAN. And DOROTHY MALONE is wasted as the dutiful, loyal wife. In one particularly cringe-worthy scene, Sullivan's boss, Jim Starling (DAYTON LUMMIS), physically hold up his hand up to shush Malone when she tries to make a suggestion, and barks, "I'll handle this, Ruthie." That about sums up how Malone's character was written. Don Beddoe is great as the mild-mannered bank teller in over his head with Hughes, and Richard Reeves is a scene-stealer as Sullivan's new boss who has no time for MacGraw!
The Great Flamarion (1945)
Film Noir Gem with great performances from von Stroheim, Hughes, and Duryea
"The Great Flamarion" is an undiscovered little gem of a film from Rebublic that features von Stroheim as the title character, a cold and arrogant vaudeville performer who specializes in sharp shooting. He is assisted in his act by Connie and Al Wallace, a seemingly happy couple. When Connie professes her love for Flamarion and tells of her husband's abusive nature and hard-drinking, Flamarion eventually opens his heart to this femme-fatale, played to the hilt by Mary Beth Hughes, a most underrated actress, who toys with men in the tradition of film noir greats such as Joan Bennett in "Scarlet Street," Jane Greer in "Out of The Past," and Yvonne DeCarlo in "Criss Cross." When Connie suggests that Flamarion accidentally hit Al, portrayed by the always terrific Dan Duryea, during their gun skit, Flamarion's life changes forever. Anthony Mann's direction is taut and economic. The film, told through flashbacks, captures the desperation and loneliness of a man willing to do anything for love. Next to "Sunset Boulevard," this is one of von Stroheim's finest hours as an actor. He allows himself to show joy and vulnerability as he never has before on screen.
The Cowboy and the Blonde (1941)
Taming of the Shrew goes Country
This fun film is a western version of "The Taming of the Shrew," with the Shrew in question being the glorious, yet underrated Mary Beth Hughes, queen of the bitchy blonde B-girls. George Montgomery makes a pleasant enough leading man, but let's face it, the main reason to watch is Mary Beth's pouty lips, hands on hips, and diva like attitude.
The Poseidon Adventure (1972)
Granddaddy of them all!
Watching The Poseidon Adventure as a 9 year old, I learned that in times of disaster, death and destruction, if you are young, pretty, and as wooden as a deck chair, you will survive. And one question that has ALWAYS lingered for me: WHY was Pamela Sue Martin wearing hot pants under her evening dress?
Smile (1975)
Fantastic film!
One of the most under-appreciated gems of the 70's, this dark comedy about a small town beauty pageant brilliantly depicts the emptiness and shallowness of living the "American dream" as it satires life in small town America, giving an especially humorous wink to civic organizations that culminates in grown men in white sheets forcing members of their "clan" who have recently turned 35 to kiss a dead chicken's ass filled with some kind of weird white cream that has haunted me for years! With rich writing, brilliant direction by Michael Ritchie, and dead-on performances by Bruce Dern, Barbara Feldon,Michael Kidd, Joan Prather, Annette O'Toole, Maria O'Brien, Nicholas Pryor, and Eric Shea. this film is a true unsung classic!