Review of Violent Saturday

I had reasonable hopes for this film, given the cast and the director. Unfortunately, my expectations weren't met. The plot is far too preoccupied with focusing on the boring, humdrum lives of the local characters. I'm lumbered with this nonsense for about 35 minutes or more. There's no suspense or excitement, just tedium in sizeable doses. The actual bank robbery scene was quite effective, a few shots fired to help keep everyone on their toes. The siege scene was also good and rather violent for 1955 - look out for Ernest Borgnine with his pitchfork. We are seeing some good actors here but they could have been given better material to work with. Lee Marvin is his usual self when in villain mode and J. Carrol Naish is on hand as another of the bank robbers. Personally, I thought he was a bit miscast. Victor Mature performs his usual bout of heroics and saves the day. A disappointing viewing experience for me.