This movie is one shocking scene after another. They're connected, to be sure. It's a very well crafted film. But it;s like the "This Is Cinerama" of shocking brutal effects.
Eli Wallach, right out of his brilliant performance in the sublime "Baby Doll," plays a psychopath. His mentor is Robert Keith. They have a very strange relationship: Keith, though a cold blooded criminal, is very strict about grammar and manners. Wallach wants to learn from him.
Add to this twosome a blond, prettied-up Richard Jaeckel as their eager driver. (See my comments on the pros and cons of gay hit men in fifties movies under my comments on "Murder By Contract." At least people saw them but they were far from role models. Better than the swishy stereotypes of earlier decades but portrayed most unflatteringly nevertheless.
We have a scene in a steam room. We have nuns and children. We have a terrific car chase.
I'm not giving away any plot. I'll say only that these boys don't play nice -- or nicely as the Dancer (Wallach) character would have it.
It's a brilliant movie. It's one of Siegel's most polished and very best.
Eli Wallach, right out of his brilliant performance in the sublime "Baby Doll," plays a psychopath. His mentor is Robert Keith. They have a very strange relationship: Keith, though a cold blooded criminal, is very strict about grammar and manners. Wallach wants to learn from him.
Add to this twosome a blond, prettied-up Richard Jaeckel as their eager driver. (See my comments on the pros and cons of gay hit men in fifties movies under my comments on "Murder By Contract." At least people saw them but they were far from role models. Better than the swishy stereotypes of earlier decades but portrayed most unflatteringly nevertheless.
We have a scene in a steam room. We have nuns and children. We have a terrific car chase.
I'm not giving away any plot. I'll say only that these boys don't play nice -- or nicely as the Dancer (Wallach) character would have it.
It's a brilliant movie. It's one of Siegel's most polished and very best.