Stars: Burt Lancaster, Yvonne De Carlo, Steve McNally, Dan Duryea
Best Quote: She's all right, she's just young.
-Huh! Some ways, she knows more than Einstein.
Poor Burt Lancaster. Only three years after "The Killers" and he still hasn't learned. Once again, he's involved in a Heist with a beautiful, two-timing Dame. (This time De Carlo - not Ava Gardner). What's wrong with this lunkhead? His best friend, bartender, and even his mother try to warn him off, but to no avail.
And yes, the plot is somewhat familiar - but well done, especially the last 30 minutes. And we get a twist, the femme fatale and fall guy truly love each other - I think. Its confusing. Anyway, their "love affair" burns up 35 minutes of this 87 minute movie. Whether you find that a plus depends on you. The action and location shots of 1949 SoCal are good. The ending is swift and memorable.
Acting? Lancaster was always good as the dumb oaf. De Carlo sizzles as the "Bad Girl". Supporting cast? Good, except for the very stiff Steve McNally - who's better at playing villains than the "best friend".
Plot Holes? Bonus points for how Anna gets the money at the end, why Steve isn't killed during the Heist, or how Slim got to Anna's House so quickly.
Summary: A well done film-noir with some sluggish romance in the middle, and a nice ending. Overall, pretty good - but the The Killers is better.
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