Category: Trivia

“Brotherhood of the Wolf” (2001) starring Samuel Le Bihan & Mark Dacascos / Z-View

Brotherhood of the Wolf (2001)

Director:  Christophe Gans

Screenplay:  Christophe Gans, Stéphane Cabel

Stars: Samuel Le Bihan, Mark Dacascos, Vincent Cassel and Monica Bellucci.

Tagline: The year is 1766… The hunt for a killer has begun

The Plot…

The year is 1764.  A beast, some call it a monster, is killing the people of Gévaudan.  Grégoire de Fronsac (Le Bihan) and his Iroquois friend Mani (Dacascos) are sent to find and kill the creature.

They have no idea what awaits them.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Brotherhood of the Wolf has a toe in history.  There really was a Beast of Gévaudan. It was described as a wolf-like creature.  (It was probably a wolf or wolves.) During the years 1764 to 1767, the beast was blamed for as many as 100 killings.

I saw Brotherhood of the Wolf when it was first released in 2001.  I liked it better then (4 of 5 stars).  I downgraded it now partly due to the creature effects and the fact that everyone knows martial arts in 1764 France. Mark Dacascos as Mani, is still my favorite part of the movie.

Brotherhood of the Wolf (2001) rates 3 of 5 stars.

“Act of Violence” (1948) starring Van Heflin & Robert Ryan / Z-View

Act of Violence (1948)

Director:  Fred Zinnemann

Screenplay:  Robert L. Richards; story by Collier Young

Stars: Van Heflin, Robert Ryan, Janet Leigh, Mary Astor, Phyllis Thaxter, Berry Kroeger, Taylor Holmes, Will Wright, Rudolph Anders and Barbara Billingsley (voice).

Tagline: He’s the only one that came out alive … and now he wants my life … to atone for the others’

The Plot…

Frank Enley (Heflin) is living the good life. Frank served proudly in the war. Now he has a job he loves.  Frank is married to a wonderful woman who loves him. They have a beautiful little girl.  Frank is a respected member of the community.  Life is great.

Then Joe Parkson (Ryan) shows up.

Parkson was in a prisoner of war camp with Frank.  Parkson knows that Frank Enley gave the Nazis information about a planned escape.  The Nazis killed all the US soldiers trying to get away except Parkson.  Parkson almost died and was left with a permanent limp.

Now that Parkson has found Frank Enley, he’s going to kill him.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Although Act of Violence bombed at the box office it has gained a positive following over the years.  It currently has a 7.5/10 rating on the IMDb.  At Rotten Tomatoes it scored 94% from critics and 76% from site users.

I’m in the minority on this one.  I found it to be just okay.

Act of Violence (1948) rates 2 of 5 stars.

“Dillinger” (1945) starring Lawrence Tierney / Z-View

Dillinger (1945)

Director:  Max Nosseck

Screenplay:  Philip Yordan, William Castle (uncredited)

Stars: Lawrence Tierney, Anne Jeffreys, Eduardo Ciannelli, Marc Lawrence, Fred Aldrich, Sam Balter (voice), Dick Elliott and Elisha Cook Jr..

Tagline: His Story Is Written in Bullets, Blood and Blondes!

The Plot…

The fictionalized account of John Dillinger (Tierney).

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Dillinger was Lawrence Tierney’s first starring role.

Dillinger (1945) rates 2 of 5 stars.

“Al Capone” (1959) starring Rod Steiger / Z-View

Al Capone (1959)

Director:  Richard Wilson

Screenplay:  Malvin Wald, Henry F. Greenberg

Stars: Rod Steiger, Martin Balsam, Fay Spain, Nehemiah Persoff, Robert Gist, Lewis Charles, Joe De Santis, Sandy Kenyon, Raymond Bailey, Al Ruscio, Louis Quinn, Ron Soble, Steve Gravers, Fred Aldrich and James Gregory.

Tagline: It was the age of speakeasies and jazz… when everybody sinned, ginned and broke the laws… while a vicious crime lord almost took over the nation!

The Plot…

The fictionalized account of Al Capone (Steiger).

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Rod Steiger and Martin Balsam would go on to become Academy Award winners but not for this one.

Al Capone (1959) rates 2 of 5 stars.

“Young Dillinger” (1965) starring Nick Adams & Robert Conrad / Z-View

Young Dillinger (1965)

Director:  Terry O. Morse

Screenplay:  Arthur Hoehl, Donald Zimbalist

Stars: Nick Adams, Robert Conrad, John Ashley, Dan Terranova, Mary Ann Mobley, John Hoyt, Anthony Caruso, Emile Meyer, Frank Gerstle, Wally Rose, Walter Sande, Joy Harmon and Victor Buono.

Tagline: The Big Thrill-Story of the Killer Who Became Public Enemy No. 1!

The Plot…

The fictionalized account of John Dillinger (Adams), Pretty Boy Floyd (Conrad) and Baby Face Nelson (Ashley) joining forces to rob banks throughout the midwest.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Robert Conrad won the role of Jim West for The Wild, Wild West during production of Young Dillinger. Although Conrad plays Pretty Boy Floyd in this one, in 1979 Conrad would play Dillinger in The Lady in Red.

Young Dillinger (1965) rates 2 of 5 stars.

“The Devil Rides Out” (1968) starring Christopher Lee / Z-View

The Devil Rides Out (1968)

Director:  Terence Fisher

Screenplay:  Richard Matheson; based on THE DEVIL RIDES OUT by Dennis Wheatley

Stars: Christopher Lee, Charles Gray, Leon Greene.

Tagline: The beauty of woman… the demon of darkness… the unholy union of “The Devil’s Bride”!

The Plot…

Duc de Richleau (Lee) discovers that his friend’s grown son is mixed up with aa devil-worshipping coven.  It may be too late to save him, but De Richleau is going to try.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

It was Christopher Lee’s idea to adapt the Wheatley novel.  Lee has said it is one of his favorite of the Hammer films.

The Devil Rides Out (1968) rates 3 of 5 stars.

“Ragtime” (1981) directed by Milos Foreman; starring James Cagney, Elizabeth McGovern & Howard E. Rollins Jr. / Z-View

Ragtime (1981)

Director:  Miloš Forman

Screenplay: Michael Weller, Bo Goldman (uncredited); based on RAGTIME by  E.L. Doctorow

Stars: James Cagney, Elizabeth McGovern, Howard E. Rollins Jr., Brad Dourif, Moses Gunn, Kenneth McMillan, Pat O’Brien, Donald O’Connor, James Olson, Mandy Patinkin, Mary Steenburgen, Debbie Allen, Jeffrey DeMunn, Robert Joy, Bruce Boa, Jeff Daniels, Fran Drescher, Samuel L. Jackson, Michael Jeter, Ted Ross, John Ratzenberger and Norman Mailer.

Tagline: It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was Ragtime

The Plot…

An African-American baby is left in the yard of a wealthy family.  When the police discover the young unwed mother nearby, they are ready to put the child in an orphanage and the mother in jail.  The family decides to take in the mother and child until the mother can get on her feet.

The baby’s father shows up.  His name is Coalhouse Walker Jr.  He wants to marry the mother and support the child now that he has a job.  The wedding is planned and all is looking up until a group of racist firemen put horse manure in Coalhouse’s new car.  When the police and the courts refuse to make things right, Coalhouse decides to get his own revenge… against the city.

The famous architect Stanford White has placed a nude statue at the top of Madison Square Garden.  Evelyn Nesbit, a former chorus girl reportedly posed for the figure.  Now Evelyn is married to millionaire Harry Kendall Thaw.  Thaw is outraged and demands that White remove the statue.  White refuses.  Thaw murders White at a huge social event.  The court case will be considered the trial of the century.

These events will converge to become a part of American lore.  Like the tagline says, “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was Ragtime.”

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Ragtime was nominated for eight 1982 Academy Awards

  • Nominee – Best Music, Original Score: Randy Newman
  • Nominee – Best Music, Original Song: Randy Newman for the song “One More Hour”
  • Nominee – Best Costume Design: Anna Hill Johnstone
  • Nominee – Best Art Direction-Set Decoration: John Graysmark, Patrizia von Brandenstein, Tony Reading, George DeTitta Sr., George DeTitta Jr., Peter Howitt
  • Nominee – Best Cinematography: Miroslav Ondrícek
  • Nominee – Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium: Michael Weller
  • Nominee – Best Actress in a Supporting Role: Elizabeth McGovern
  • Nominee – Best Actor in a Supporting Role: Howard E. Rollins Jr.

Ragtime would be James Cagney’s final film.  He hadn’t appeared in a movie in 20 years.  Cagney was in poor health during filming and so in most of his scenes he is seated.

This was also Pat O’Brien’s final film.  O’Brien and Cagney co-starred together in several films during the 30s and the 40s.

Jeff Daniels made his film debut in Ragtime.

Ragtime (1981) rates 4 of 5 stars.

“Gladiator II” (2024) directed by Ridley Scott; starring Paul Mescal, Denzel Washington and Pedro Pascal / Z-View

Gladiator II (2024)

Director:  Ridley Scott

Screenplay:  David Scarpa; story by Peter Craig, David Scarpa based on characters created by David Franzoni

Stars: Paul Mescal, Denzel Washington, Pedro Pascal, Connie Nielsen, Joseph Quinn, Fred Hechinger, Lior Raz, Derek Jacobi, Peter Mensah, Matt Lucas, Alexander Karim, Tim McInnerny, Alec Utgoff, Riana Duce and Rory McCann.

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

It’s been sixteen years since the death of Emperor Marcus Aurelius, known as the last of the Five Good Emperors.  Rome is now ruled by the twin brothers Geta (Quinn) and Caracalla (Hechinger). The twin Emperors care nothing for their subjects.  Geta and Caracalla crave power and look to control the world. To that end they sent the great General Acacius (Pascal) to conquer lands in their honor.  When Acacius returns victorious, the twin Emperors host on-going gladiatorial games to celebrate.

General Acacius has seen too many soldiers die for no reason other than the demands of the Emperor twins.  The Roman people suffer and Acacius plans to return Rome to the people.  In ten days his soldiers will march into the city and Acacius will lead the revolt.  What Acacius doesn’t see coming is a betrayal.

Macrinus (Washington) also sees the time of the twins rule is coming to an end.  Macrinus believes that he can make moves behind the scenes to put himself in power.  He buys a young gladiator named Hanno (Mescal).  Macrinus plans to use Hanno’s abilities in the arena to make him a for the people.  Meanwhile Macrinus will become close friends with the twins.  When the time is right, Macrinus will have the twins killed and assume control.

As each faction moves to take control of the throne, the twins learn of the deception.  Many will die and Rome may never recover.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Gladiator 2 was nominated for one Academy Award…

  • 2025 Nominee – Best Achievement in Costume Design: Janty Yates, David Crossman

If you’ve seen Gladiator, you’ve seen Gladiator II is a snarky kind of take.  But truthfully, it’s not too far off.  Both movies hit the same beats.  The good news it that the story, cast, direction and special effects are entertaining.

Denzel Washington and Pedro Pascal own their scenes. I’m surprised that Denzel wasn’t nominated for a Best Supporting Actor Academy Award.  (This is the first time he hasn’t been the leading man in a film since Antwone Fisher.)

Some folks were upset that this film makes it appear that Maximus (Crowe) from Gladiator, (supposedly) cheated on his wife since he is the father of Hanno.  Granted, if that’s the case, it does tarnish the character.  My bigger nit to pick is that Lucilla, who was unlikable in the first film, has done a 180.

Ah, but why complain when we have gladiators fighting: gladiators, baboons, rhinos, sea battles, sharks and more.  “Are we not entertained?”

Why, yes, yes we are.

Gladiator II (2024) rates 4 of 5 stars.

“Special Ops: Lioness” aka “Lioness”: Season 2 (2023); created by Taylor Sheridan; starring Zoe Saldaña, Laysla De Oliveira, Michael Kelly with Morgan Freeman and Nicole Kidman / Z-View

Special Ops: Lioness aka Lioness: Season 2 (2024)

Created by: Taylor Sheridan

Director: Taylor Sheridan (Eps. 1-2); Michael Friedman (Eps. 3-4); Stephen Kay  (Eps. 5-8)

Teleplay: Taylor Sheridan (Eps. 1-8)

Stars: Zoe Saldaña, Lays la De Oliveira, Dave Annable, Jill Wagner, LaMonica Garrett, James Jordan, Genesis Rodriguez, Michael Kelly, Austin Hébert, Jonah Wharton, Thad Luckinbill, Hannah Love Lanier, Nicole Kidman, Bruce McGill, Jennifer Ehle, Martin Donovan, Taylor Sheridan, Celestina Harris, Martin Donovan, Max Martini, Kirk Acevedo, Robyn Lively,
Jay Huguley, Demián Castro
and Morgan Freeman.

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

Joe McNamara (Saldaña) is a CIA squad leader in charge of the Lioness program.  When a cartel sends assassins to the US, a Congresswoman is kidnapped and family massacred.  Joe’s team is sent to Mexico to retrieve the Congresswoman.

After the mission, it is decided that the leadership of the cartel is getting too bold.  A message will be sent on Mexican soil.  It will be Joe and the Lioness program that delivers it.  The new recruit to the program has the connection needed, but can she be trusted… when it’s a family member she will betray?

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Season two is even better than season one.  It starts with a bang and never lets up.

Taylor Sheridan writes every episode, directs the first two and even shows up acting in some.

Special Ops: Lioness aka Lioness: Season 2 rates 5 of 5 stars.

“What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?” (1962) directed by Robert Aldrich; starring Bette Davis & Joan Crawford / Z-View

What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? (1962)

Director:  Robert Aldrich

Screenplay: Lukas Heller; based on WHATEVER HAPPENED TO BABY JANE by Henry Farrell

Stars: Bette Davis, Joan Crawford, Victor Buono, Wesley Addy, Anne Barton, Marjorie Bennett, Bert Freed, Anna Lee, Maidie Norman, Dave Willock, Russ Conway, Maxine Cooper, Robert Cornthwaite, Michael Fox and Barbara Merrill.

Tagline: Things you should know about this motion picture before buying a ticket: 1) If you’re long-standing fans of Miss Davis and Miss Crawford, we warn you this is quite unlike anything they’ve ever done. 2) You are urged to see it from the beginning. 3) Be prepared for the macabre and the terrifying. 4) We ask your pledge to keep the shocking climax a secret. 5) When the tension begins to build, try to remember it’s just a movie.

The Plot…

1917.  Baby Jane Hudson is a national treasure.  The child actress/singer is in such demand that vaudeville stages across the nation are sold out for every performance when she’s in town.  Baby Jane dolls are all the rage.  Unfortunately success has spoiled the little girl.  Little Jane realizes that she’s the family money-maker. She has the power to call the shots.  That means bossing her father/manager around, ignoring her mother and mistreating her slightly older sister Blanche.

When movies become all the rage, Baby Jane learns that the magic is gone.  She’s aged out of being the cute little girl performing on stage. The Jane Hudson that shows up on screen isn’t a very good actress.

But Blanche Hudson is.  Audiences love her and studios want her in their pictures.  If her parents were still alive Blanche would be the breadwinner.  Thankfully Blanche treats Jane better than she was treated when their roles were reversed.

That was decades ago.  A terrible accident crippled Blanche and cut short her movie career.  Now it’s just Blanche and Jane living in the big old mansion bought with Baby Jane‘s money.  Thankfully Blanche’s movie career provided the funds for Blanche and Jane to survive.  But those funds are dwindling.  Jane’s drinking and mistreatment of Blanche is getting worse.

Wheelchair bound and confined to the upstairs floor, Blanche is getting worried.  Baby Jane is planning a comeback… but has a few things she plans to do first.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Whatever Happened to Baby Jane? was nominated for five Academy Awards winning one…

  • 1963 Nominee Best SoundJoseph D. Kelly (Seven Arts-Warner Bros. Glen Glenn Sound Department)
  • 1963 Nominee Best Cinematography, Black-and-WhiteErnest Haller
  • 1963 Nominee Best Actor in a Supporting Role Victor Buono
  • 1963 Nominee Best Actress in a Leading RoleBette Davis
  • 1963 Winner Best Costume Design, Black-and-WhiteNorma Koch

Betty Davis created her own make-up look for the film.  She say her character as never washing her face and each day adding another layer of make-up.  At first, the director and producers felt it was too over-the-top.  When the author visited the set, he said Davis looked just as he imagined Baby Jane.  The studio and director made the right decision to keep Davis’ look.

This features Victor Buono’s feature film debut.  It was also the only time he was nominated for an Oscar.

If the beach house seen at the end of the movie looks familiar, you may be remembering it from director Robert Aldrich’s 1955 film, Kiss Me Deadly where it was also seen at the end of the movie.

Kudos to Robert Aldrich for another excellent film.  More people should be aware of him.

What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? (1962) rates 4 of 5 stars.

“Shutter Island” (2010) directed by Martin Scorsese; starring Leonard DiCaprio / Z-View

Shutter Island (2010)

Director:  Martin Scorsese

Screenplay: Laeta Kalogridis; based on SHUTTER ISLAND by Dennis Lehane

Stars: Leonardo DiCaprio, Mark Ruffalo, Ben Kingsley, Max von Sydow, Michelle Williams, Patricia Clarkson, Ted Levine, John Carroll Lynch, Elias Koteas, Robin Bartlett, Nellie Sciutto, Joseph Sikora, Curtiss Cook, Joseph McKenna and Jackie Earle Haley.

Tagline: Someone is missing.

The Plot…

1954.

US Marshall Edward “Teddy” Daniels (DiCaprio) is sent to the Ashecliffe Hospital for the criminally insane.  Only the most violent and mentally ill patients are housed there.  The Ashecliffe Hospital sits on Shutter Island, located just outside of Boston Harbor.  The island rests high above sea level, with sheer cliffs on all sides. The only way in or out is through a number of secured gates attached to the only pier.

Just before departing for Shutter Island Marshall Daniels meets his new partner Officer Chuck Aule (Ruffalo).  Daniels and Aule arrive on Shutter Island just ahead of a hurricane that is rapidly approaching.  Daniels brings Aule up to speed.  They are there to find a missing patient named Rachel Solando.  Solando was there because she drowned her three children.  How she could have gotten off the island is a mystery.  The fact that she cannot be found on the small island seems impossible.  Daniels and Aule are there to resolve the case.

Daniels tells Aule that he asked for the case.  Daniels goes on to say that another of the insane criminals housed on Shutter Island is arsonist Andrew Laeddis.  One of Laeddis’ victims was Daniels wife who died in one of Laeddis’ fires.

As Daniels and Aule speak with the doctors and police officers on staff, Daniels begins to feel that things are not as they seem.  The patient interviews add to Daniels’ concerns.  When Daniels speaks to patient George Noyce privately, Noce informs him that the doctors are lying to him.  Noyce goes on to say that patients are subjected to horrible experiments.  Some are even lobotomized before they can speak out.

With this new knowledge, Daniels plans to leave the island and come back with support.  The only problem is the hurricane keeping all boats away.  Daniels and Officer Aule had been separated.  When Daniels asks about Aule, he is told that he had no partner.

Daniels realizes he’s trapped on the island and nothing is as it seemed. Daniels is outnumbered and outgunned. He’s got to find a way to survive and escape… from a place where escape is impossible.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Shutter Island is based on Dennis Lehane’s book of the same name.  Both the novel and the movie get my highest recommendation.

Shutter Island is an anagram for Truths and Lies.  As Daniels gets deeper and deeper into the mystery, the weather gets worse and the skies darker.  The storm passes and the skies clear, once the mystery is solved.  Unfortunately sunny skies may not mean a happy ending.

There are subtle clues throughout the movie as to what is actually going on.  I won’t give them away, because discovering them as you watch the film is part of the fun.  There’s even more enjoyment watching the film again and seeing how everything is right before our eyes.

Shutter Island (2010) rates 5 of 5 stars.

“Tarzan Triumphs” (1943) starring Johnny Weissmuller / Z-View

Tarzan Triumphs (1943)

Director:  Wilhelm Thiele

Screenplay: Carroll Young, Roy Chanslor ; story by Carroll Young; based on characters created by Edgar Rice Burroughs

Stars: Johnny Weissmuller, Frances Gifford, Johnny Sheffield, Stanley Ridges, Sig Ruman, Philip Van Zandt,
Pedro de Cordoba, George Lynn
and Cheetah.

Tagline: A new exciting beauty arouses Tarzan’s fighting heart…as ruthless killers from the sky invade his jungle kingdom on a rampage of murder and worse! You’ll see…NEW TARZAN THRILLS by the thousand!

The Plot…

World War II rages, but until now has not reached the jungles of Tarzan.

Until now.

A squad of Nazi paratroopers has taken over the the lost city of Palandrya.  The Nazis are using the citizens as slave labor to mine rare minerals.  When the Nazis kidnap Tarzan’s adopted son, Boy, Tarzan is drawn into the war.

“Ungawa!”

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Tarzan Triumphs was Johnny Weissmuller’s seventh outing as Tarzan.  Those films were made at MGM.  This movie came from RKO.  Along with Weissmuller, the studio got Johnny Sheffield (as Boy) and Cheetah.  Maureen O’Sullivan (who played Jane in the previous films) was under contract with MGM.  That’s why Jane is in England during this film.

World War II was still being fought when Tarzan Triumphs was made.  Sol Lesser, the executive producer of Tarzan Triumphs said it was suggested by the US State Department that having Tarzan fight Nazis would be a great morale builder.

If the fort where Tarzan and Boy are held captive looks familiar, it could be because it was the same set used in Gunga Din.

When it comes to killing Nazis even Boy, Cheeta and Boy’s pet elephant take part.

The final scene with Cheetah “talking” on the radio and Nazis in Germany thinking it is Hitler speaking is classic.

If you like Tarzan films of this era, Tarzan Triumphs is one of the better ones.

Tarzan Triumphs (1943) rates 4 of 5 stars.

“Streets of Fire” Trivia!

Matthew Jackson at Mental Floss presents 14 Epic Facts About ‘Streets of Fire’.  Before you click over to get all the facts and details, here are my three favorites with my thoughts…

  • The film was intended to be part of a trilogy. I would have loved to have seen The Far City and Cody’s Return.  Is it too late?
  • The ending was originally much darker.  In this instance I agree with the studio and Michael Pare: It (the new ending) added honor and nobility to Tom Cody instead of just a guy who will not f******* lose.”
  • Streets of Fire was initially a flop.  Universal Pictures didn’t really know how to market Streets of Fire. It was so unique… an “action-romance-musical-comic book hybrid”.  Thankfully over the years Streets of Fire gained a following.  So… as to the trilogy… is it too late?  Either to revisit the characters now older… or recast and pick up where we left off.

“The Life of the Party” (1920) starring Roscoe “Fatty” Arbuckle / Z-View

The Life of the Party (1920)

Director:  Joseph Henabery

Screenplay: Walter Woods; based on The Life of the Party by Irvin S. Cobb

Stars:  Roscoe ‘Fatty’ Arbuckle, Winifred Greenwood, Roscoe Karns, Julia Faye and William Boyd.

Tagline: A fast and festive fun frolic in five acts and forty antics. Filled with gambols, girls and giggles and all fussed up with joy.

The Plot…

Algernon Leary (Arbuckle) is a lawyer approached by Milly Hollister and ladies from the Better Babies League.  Business men from a milk consortium have worked together to drive up the price of milk. Algernon is attracted to Milly and agrees to take on the case.

Judge Voris, who is hearing the case has been secretly paid off by the consortium.  The Judge has his sights on a higher office and discrediting Algernon is first on his list.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

The Life of the Party is Arbuckle’s second full length feature.  It lacks to fun and joy of his shorts.

The Life of the Party (1920) rates 2 of 5 stars.

“Backfire” (1950) starring Edmond O’Brien, Virginia Mayo and Gordon MacRae / Z-View

Backfire (1950)

Director:  Vincent Sherman

Screenplay: Ivan Goff, Larry Marcus, Ben Roberts; story by Larry Marcus

Stars:  Edmond O’Brien, Virginia Mayo, Gordon MacRae, Dane Clark, Viveca Lindfors, Sheila MacRae, David Hoffman, Monte Blue, Russ Conway,  John Daheim, John Dehner and Ed Begley.

Tagline: A double-cross that doubled back…with a blonde on the end of it!

The Plot…

1948.  Although the war is over, Bob Corey (MacRae) is still in a military hospital recovering from injuries.  One surgery to go and Bob will just need some rehab to be good as new.  Then he plans to marry his nurse, Julie Benson (Mayo) and open a ranch with his best friend Steve Connelly (O’Brien).  Bob and Steve have been best friends since serving together in the war.  Steve regularly visits Bob… until he doesn’t show up one day.

Late one night as Bob recovers from his final surgery a strange woman appears in his room.  She wakes Bob and tells him that Steve was crippled in a terrible accident.  She says that Steve wants to die but she refuses to help him commit suicide.  As Bob falls back to sleep, the woman disappears.

Bob leaves the hospital determined to find his friend.  As he follows clues, Bob doesn’t get much help.  The police are looking for Steve for other reasons.  A gambler named Lou Walsh (whose very name scares people) seems involved some how.  But who is Lou Walsh?

As Bob gets closer to the truth, people begin to get murdered.  The killer now has his sights on Bob and his fiancé Julie.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

The movie was filmed in 1948, but not released until 1950.  In those two years Mayo and MacRae had become bigger stars and so their names were moved up to the top in advertising materials.

Backfire (1950) rates 3 of 5 stars.