Author Archive: Retro

Gang tries to take over small town to rob its banks.

Description Later

A tense, compact crime picture (not really a noir, but they’re calling everything noir these days) about a man framed for a robbery he didn’t commit, and how he goes after the bad guys at a Mexican resort. John Payne plays the put-upon leading role in his usual keyed up, hyper-virile node, and while I would not call him a charming actor, he was capable in the kind of modest tale. Coleen Gray is his love interest, and proficient in a thankless role. The trio of bad guys,–Neville Brand, Jack Elam and Lee Van Cleef–are as manna from heaven in this sort of film, and are, as always, fun to watch. Preston Foster’s easygoing warmth is nicely utilized in a major role. His somewhat vague personality and amiable nature make him a more agreeable personality than the putative hero of John Payne. Phil Karlson directed the film with his trademark paranoid edge, and the high [...]

Fugitive kills a respected psychiatrist whom he resembles, and assumes his identity, unaware that the doctor has a sinful past of his own. Produced by Paul Henreid. Dir. Steve Sekely

Just before his marriage, Beaumont finds out that his long-missing first wife is still alive. Not for long, though…someone bumps her off and his current girlfriend goes undercover in a night club to find out who did it. Dir. Sam Newfield

Building contractor finds out that his new investor requires him to take out a large life insurance policy. He’s suspicious, but is unable to stay away from the investor’s sexy wife. Screenplay and theme song written by Hank McCune. Dir. Paul Guilfoyle

Returning from Chicago swathed in fur, small-town gal Ava Gardner precipitates a crisis for ne’er-do-well George Raft, who stayed behind to moulder. Gardner hadn’t yet reached the apex of her insolent sexuality (she looks close to plain in some scenes), and Raft plays, what else, George Raft. Whistle Stop is no masterpiece, but it intermittently sparks into life, generally when Victor McLaghlin shows up, trying to lure Raft into a murderous scheme or taking revenge on his sneering boss.

A society reporter keeps herself in the headlines by marrying a series of wealthy men, all of whom die under mysterious circumstances.

Vaudeville sharpshooter is duped into murdering the husband of his evil assistant. Dir. Anthony Mann.