You'd think that, with this cast, you'd have a snazzy little noir with plenty of snap. Well, the snap comes and goes...and, frankly, even the sizzling Ava Gardner seems a bit wilted and pedestrian here. John Hodiak has an absolutely thankless role as her husband--you don't even get to see him do any of the contraband activities--and Robert Taylor wants to do right, but he's--well, meh.
I think the producers paired Laughton and the always-enjoyable Vincent Price (who here is evil incarnate, but, again, not given much to do except one really crucial thing) as a surrogate Peter Lorre/Sydney Greenstreet pairing. They don't sparkle like the latter, but Laughton on his own is just fascinating. He totally relishes the role and his every move and expression is worth watching, whether it's being too clever for his own good or cringing with cowardice. And oy, his feet, his feet.
It's schleppy, and the end leaves still too many questions, especially about Taylor's character. But for the price of admission, if you don't expect too much, it's worth a look, especially, again, Laughton, whose performance is an acting class in and of itself. Plus fireworks!
I think the producers paired Laughton and the always-enjoyable Vincent Price (who here is evil incarnate, but, again, not given much to do except one really crucial thing) as a surrogate Peter Lorre/Sydney Greenstreet pairing. They don't sparkle like the latter, but Laughton on his own is just fascinating. He totally relishes the role and his every move and expression is worth watching, whether it's being too clever for his own good or cringing with cowardice. And oy, his feet, his feet.
It's schleppy, and the end leaves still too many questions, especially about Taylor's character. But for the price of admission, if you don't expect too much, it's worth a look, especially, again, Laughton, whose performance is an acting class in and of itself. Plus fireworks!