I forget how I learned of this movie, but once I did I just had to see it. I've never encountered it on tv or in video stores, so I ordered it through Movies Unlimited. Having seen it, I am mystified as to its neglect. The casting alone is first-rate - Kirk Douglas, Luther Adler, and Irene Pappas, as well as a host of great character actors such as Murray Hamilton and Eduardo Ciannelli. The story is engrossing, the script is excellent, and the direction keeps things moving nicely.
Many others have commented on the foreshadowing of elements of the Godfather movies: refusals of business deals, sojourns to Sicily, fratricide. I am at a loss to explain these foreshadows, but they are almost eery.
One observation: Coppola's use of a muted color pallete, leaning toward brown, in The Godfather, has accustomed us to expect this tone in stories like this. The brilliant colors and high production values of the Technicolor process are almost startling here.
Do not pass up the chance to see this flick should the opportunity arise. The phrase "hidden gem" is being thrown around too much nowadays, but this film is certainly an exemplar.
Many others have commented on the foreshadowing of elements of the Godfather movies: refusals of business deals, sojourns to Sicily, fratricide. I am at a loss to explain these foreshadows, but they are almost eery.
One observation: Coppola's use of a muted color pallete, leaning toward brown, in The Godfather, has accustomed us to expect this tone in stories like this. The brilliant colors and high production values of the Technicolor process are almost startling here.
Do not pass up the chance to see this flick should the opportunity arise. The phrase "hidden gem" is being thrown around too much nowadays, but this film is certainly an exemplar.