"Violent Saturday" is an excellent crime film--which is surprising since it's made in Technicolor and Cinemascope. A traditional example of film noir is in black and white and features unusual lighting and camera angles that you won't see in this film. But that is okay...as it works anyway even though it's an odd mix of a soap opera and violent heist picture.
The first half of the film all occurs before the actual robbery. Thugs case the small town bank and plan their robbery. Additionally, you see a lot about various folks in the town--folks that will become important in the robbery and tense finale. These stories are generally interesting but a bit salacious--such as the drunk who's married to a woman that subsequently seeks comfort from other men! There's also the guy whose son is disappointed in him since he didn't serve abroad during WWII...and you know this guy (Victor Mature) will get a chance to prove himself later. And then there's the Amish family (led by Ernest Borgnine)...one which might have to alter their non-violent beliefs if they want to survive.
The film has a lot of pluses. It's violent for the 1950s but not gratuitously so (even though critics hated this about the movie) and the thugs are an interesting lot (including such great heavies as Steven McNally and Lee Marvin). The ending is also top-notch and exciting. All in all, a riveting and exciting film with a lot to offer.
The first half of the film all occurs before the actual robbery. Thugs case the small town bank and plan their robbery. Additionally, you see a lot about various folks in the town--folks that will become important in the robbery and tense finale. These stories are generally interesting but a bit salacious--such as the drunk who's married to a woman that subsequently seeks comfort from other men! There's also the guy whose son is disappointed in him since he didn't serve abroad during WWII...and you know this guy (Victor Mature) will get a chance to prove himself later. And then there's the Amish family (led by Ernest Borgnine)...one which might have to alter their non-violent beliefs if they want to survive.
The film has a lot of pluses. It's violent for the 1950s but not gratuitously so (even though critics hated this about the movie) and the thugs are an interesting lot (including such great heavies as Steven McNally and Lee Marvin). The ending is also top-notch and exciting. All in all, a riveting and exciting film with a lot to offer.