No Orchids for Miss Blandish (1948)

Plot: British Gangster movie based on the 1939 Best selling novel.  

The film is unusual since its set in the USA with American characters played by mostly English actors.  Denounced at the time for its excessive violence,  British critics were angered when it passed the Censor.  One critic called it "the most sickening exhibition of brutality, perversion,  sex and sadism ever shown on the cinema screen..." 

Needless to say, in 2021 it appears positively wholesome compared to No Country Old for Old men or  Game of Thrones.  That aside, its a rather odd movie - too talky with too little plot.  The two leads Lindin Travers and Jack LaRue do well enough, but are light on charisma. 

Further, the British actors have trouble with their American Accents, and the stark set design and clunky action scenes reminded me of a 1931 Hollywood crime film. LarRue even imitates George Raft, but rolls dice instead of a flipping a coin. In between the killings, we get some forgettable songs and comedy.  Whats funnier then the film's nightclub comedy is the supposed country folk.  A  couple hours drive from NYC - yet dressed like Hillbillies. 

Summary:  Unless you're a film buff searching for novelty, I'd skip it.  Rating **