Decent enough remake of HIGH SIERRA/’41 (Humphrey Bogart’s pre-MALTESE FALCON breakout) sees W. R. Burnett revising his own script but missing the earlier film’s drive & mythic elements. Everything’s more-or-less in place, with lenser Ted McCord, fresh off some extraordinary work on EAST OF EDEN, taking advantage of WarnerColor & CinemaScope (check out that Tropica Springs Hotel, inside & out), but too much just drifts along under Stuart Heisler’s non-interventionist WideScreen staging. Jack Palance, fine in Bogie’s spot, is the ex-con hired to rob a resort, with truculent Lee Marvin, whiny Earl Holliman & clingy Shelley Winters (defeated by bad hair) helping out. What could go wrong? A subplot held over from the earlier film with Palance wistfully helping a handicapped girl, remains sticky as ever. Wasn’t there a better way to show the guy’s softer side? Those who know HIGH SIERRA will get the most out of this one, spotting changing standards in film production, with its refashioned look the most striking element. Plus, surprise appearances from Dennis Hopper, Richard Davalos & Nick Adams.*
ATTENTION MUST BE PAID: *In addition to those hellos, its a feature film farewell to character actor Bill Kennedy. He’s the sheriff toward the end with Clark Gable’s moustache. The following year he’d begin a near 30-yr run hosting old Hollywood films on Detroit tv. Offering hilariously inaccurate answers to phone-in viewers.
DOUBLE-BILL: As mentioned above, HIGH SIERRA; watch it first.
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