Hapless Frank Chambers happens into the Papadakis roadhouse and mayhem ensues. Apparently, Frank discovered and exploited the lusty Cora into a disturbing affair. Remarkably, the ex-con, yet low key Frank is taken aback when Cora decides it's time to rub out the husband, played expertly by John Colicos.
Colicos' Papadakis is everything that Frank and Cora are not. He is hard working, simple, and foreign. Our malevolent protaganists are homegrown, lusty, and starwandering. However, when they decide to rub out Papadakis, they do it in such an imbecilic way as to warrant failure. Despite initially feeling remorse for the botched job, their supposed "love" is worth a second try.
After succeeding, Frank and Cora end up in the slammer, for a time. A sharp lawyer, Mr. Katz, played well by Michael Lerner amazingly gets them from facing the gallows. In fact, they walk.
You would expect a happy ending at this point. Well no, not exactly. It seems trouble follows Frank and Cora like the plague. Of course, all of this trouble stems from their own poor decisions. I had to keep reminding myself, "hey don't root for these folks, they are killers and conspirators." Unfortunately, they are so pathetic, compelling, and desperate for happiness that I could not help but rooting for these rotten apples.
The thirties atmosphere is shot exceptionally well and adds to the positives of this film. Also, look for a very exotic looking Anjelica Huston in a brief appearance. I rate this film at 6 of 10.
Colicos' Papadakis is everything that Frank and Cora are not. He is hard working, simple, and foreign. Our malevolent protaganists are homegrown, lusty, and starwandering. However, when they decide to rub out Papadakis, they do it in such an imbecilic way as to warrant failure. Despite initially feeling remorse for the botched job, their supposed "love" is worth a second try.
After succeeding, Frank and Cora end up in the slammer, for a time. A sharp lawyer, Mr. Katz, played well by Michael Lerner amazingly gets them from facing the gallows. In fact, they walk.
You would expect a happy ending at this point. Well no, not exactly. It seems trouble follows Frank and Cora like the plague. Of course, all of this trouble stems from their own poor decisions. I had to keep reminding myself, "hey don't root for these folks, they are killers and conspirators." Unfortunately, they are so pathetic, compelling, and desperate for happiness that I could not help but rooting for these rotten apples.
The thirties atmosphere is shot exceptionally well and adds to the positives of this film. Also, look for a very exotic looking Anjelica Huston in a brief appearance. I rate this film at 6 of 10.