Category: Z-View

“Man on Fire” (1987) starring Scott Glenn / Z-View

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Man on Fire (1987)

Director: Elie Chouraqui

Screenplay:  Elie Chouraqui, Sergio Donati, Fabrice Ziolkowski; based on MAN ON FIRE by A. J. Quinnell.

Stars:  Scott Glenn, Brooke Adams, Danny Aiello, Joe Pesci, Paul Shenar, Jonathan Pryce and Jade Malle.

Tagline: For an ex-CIA agent, the job of bodyguard for a twelve-year old girl should have been a breeze…

The Plot…

Christian Creasy is a burned-out ex-C.I.A. agent. Creasy used to be one of the best.  That was before the deaths that Creasy has seen (and been a part of) as a soldier and C.I.A. agent finally took their toll.

Creasy reluctantly accepts the job of bodyguard for a wealthy Italian family.  His job will be to protect their twelve-year-old Samantha.  By the nature of his job Creasy spends a lot of time with Sam.  Her parents are often too busy, so Creasy takes their role.   As time passes, Sam gets Creasy to drop his tough exterior.

Creasy is gravely wounded during Samantha’s kidnapping.  Despite life-threatening injuries, Creasy knows that every passing hour, makes it less likely Samantha will be returned alive.  Creasy is determined to get her back alive… even if it kills him.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Tony Scott was considered to direct, but ultimately Elie Chouraqui was selected.  Scott would direct the 2004 (and vastly superior) adaptation.  If Scott had made the film in 2007, he hoped to get Marlon Brando or Robert De Niro to star.

Brooke Adams, Danny Aiello, Joe Pesci and Jonathan Pryce get very little screen time.

Man on Fire (1987) clocks in at 92 minutes but seems longer.  The supporting cast could have been put to better use.  Come to think of it so could the stars.

Man on Fire (1987) rates 2 of 5 stars.

THE LAST GOOD GUY by T. Jefferson Parker / Z-View

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THE LAST GOOD GUY by T. Jefferson Parker

First sentence…

There’s this scene in old detective movies where the investigator sits in his office, waiting for someone to come in and hire him.

The Overview:  Beware of Spoilers…

Roland Ford realizes that a beautiful woman with secrets who hires a private investigator to find a missing family member is cliche.  But that’s exactly what happens when Penelope Rideout enters Ford’s office to hire him to find her missing little sister.  Ford’s definitely attracted to Penelope, and that helps his decision to take the case.

Daley is Penelope’s fourteen year old sister.  Penelope has been her guardian since their parents died.

Ford discovers that Daley was seen with a twenty-something man later found murdered. Ford also learns Daley is somehow mixed up with Reggie Atlas, a charismatic Christian nationalist preacher. Atlas owns a secluded compound that is heavily guarded.  A ten-foot tall fence, multiple security cameras and armed guards indicate something sinister.

Ford’s instincts tell him that Penelope has lied to him… but he isn’t sure where the truth ends and the lies begin.  He just knows a child is missing and he may be her last hope.

+++

Rating:

“Valley of Gwangi” (1969) starring James Franciscus / Z-View

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The Valley of Gwangi (1969)

Director:  Jim O’Connolly

Screenplay: William Bast, Julian More, Willis H. O’Brien

Stars:  James Franciscus, Gila Golan, Richard Carlson, Laurence Naismith, Freda Jackson, Gustavo Rojo.

Tagline: Cowboys Battle Monsters in the Lost World of Forbidden Valley.

The Plot…

Tuck Kirby, a stuntman working in a traveling Wild West Show ventures into the Forbidden Valley.  There he discovers a world that never changed.  Dinosaurs and other creatures thrive there!  Kirby and other cowboys from the show decide to capture an allosaurus called Gwangi.  They figure once they have the monster in the show, they’ll become rich.

What could go wrong?

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Willis O’Brien, the genius behind the stop-motion animation effect in King Kong, had an idea for a follow-up film.  It was to be called Valley of the Mists.  Cowboys would discover a world of dinosaurs and bring one back to civilization.  World War II, budget constraints and changes in studio leadership brought about the demise of the project.  Years later, Ray Harryhausen (Willis’ mentee who went on to great success in stop-motion animation) brought forth the idea which became The Valley of Gwangi.

The Valley of Gwangi was adapted into a comic book published by Dell and released in December 1969.

The Valley of Gwangi was in production for one and a half years due to the extensive use of stop-motion animation.  The dinosaur roping sequence alone took two and a half months to complete.   During the production of Gwangi, the studio management changed.  The new regime didn’t have faith in the film and released it with little publicity.

I saw The Valley of Gwangi at a drive-in when it was first released.  I was ten or eleven.  The perfect age for a cowboys and dinosaurs movie.  I loved it.  Viewings as an adult are still fun, but some of the luster is gone.

The Valley of Gwangi brought its star James Franciscus to my attention.  I next saw him the following year in Beneath the Planet of the Apes and the year after that in the tv series Longstreet (with occasional guest star Bruce Lee!).

The Valley of Gwangi (1969) rates 3 of 5 stars.

“The Raid: Redemption” (2011) written & directed by Gareth Evans, starring Iko Uwais, Joe Taslim, Donny Alamsyah, Yayan Ruhian / Z-View

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The Raid: Redemption (2011)

Director:  Gareth Evans

Screenplay: Gareth Evans

Stars:  Iko Uwais, Joe Taslim, Donny Alamsyah, Yayan Ruhian, Pierre Gruno, Ray Sahetapy and Tegar Sathya.

Tagline: 1 Ruthless Crime Lord, 20 Elite Cops, 30 Floors of Hell

The Plot…

Rama, a rookie cop is part of a squad sent in to take down the notorius crime lord Tama Riyadi.  Riyadi along with his crime bosses Andi and Mad Dog have made a large apartment building their headquarters.  Although some law-abiding citizens live in the building, many of the apartments are rented by Riyadi’s drug dealers and crooks.

The raid starts off well… until one of Riyadi’s lookoouts sounds an alarm.  Riyadi calls in reinforcements and announces to all of the residents the police are there.  Anyone who kills a cop will get to live rent-free forever.

Rama hopes to survive to get home to his pregnant wife.  Outumbered and outgunned, Rama and the police squad are in a battle for their lives.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Although the tagline says “30 Floors of Hell” the apartment building has just 15 stories.

Gareth Evans originally wanted to film in a prison, but the budget wouldn’t allow it.  So Gareth changed the location to an apartment building.  The success of the film allowed the sequel to be set in a prison.

The Raid: Redemption is a favorite of action fans.  It felt as if Gareth Evans took the plot of Bruce Lee’s Game of Death and said, “Let’s go bigger.”  Coincidentally, The Raid: Redemption and Dredd starring Karl Urban share a similar plot and were released within months of each other.

The Raid: Redemption (2011) rates 4 of 5 stars.

“Alien Nation” (1988) starring James Caan & Mandy Patinkin / Z-View

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Alien Nation  (1988)

Director:  Graham Baker

Screenplay: Rockne S. O’Bannon

Stars:  James Caan, Mandy Patinkin, Terence Stamp, Kevyn Major Howard, Leslie Bevis, Peter Jason, Jeff Kober, Roger Aaron Brown  and Brian Thompson.

Tagline: Los Angeles, 1991. They have come to Earth to live among us. They’ve learned the language, taken jobs, and tried to fit in. But there’s something about them we don’t know.

The Plot…

Three years ago aliens landed.  Since then these “Newcomers” have intigrated into society.  In L.A.,  Newcomer Sam Francisco has just been promoted to Detective.  Francisco is teamed with veteran cop Matthew Sykes.  It’s an uneasy alliance.

Francisco and Sykes’ first case is to look into the murder of Newcomer Warren Hubley.  Their investigation uncovers a conspiracy between wealthy politicans and influential newcomers.  At the heart of the cabal’s scheme is a newcomer secret that changes everything.

Prepare yourself… the aliens are here and all is not as it seems.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Sam Francisco’s name in the original script was George Jetson.  That changed when Hanna-Barbera refused to license the rights.  Sykes’ calling Sam “George” was a in-joke.

James Cameron was credited as one of the writers in an Alien Nation early draft, but his name doesn’t appear in the movie’s credits.

Alien Nation spawned a tv series that ran for one season.  There were also five television movie spin-offs, comic books and novelizations.

Brian “Cobra” Thompson is the only actor to appear in both the feature film and the television series.

I like the poster for the film.  It doesn’t feature the movie’s stars.  Instead we get a tagline that sets up everything and cool art that looks like it could be a crime thriller (with aliens).

Alien Nation is a fun film.

Alien Nation  (1988) rates 4 of 5 stars.

“Lone Samurai” (2025) written & directed by Josh C. Waller, starring Shogen / Z-View

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Lone Samurai  (2025)

Director:  Josh C. Waller

Screenplay: Josh C. Waller

Stars:  Shogen, Yayan Ruhian.

Tagline: Survive by the sword.

The Plot…

In the 13th century, Riku, a samurai, is the lone survivor shipwrecked on an island.  Unfortunately, the island isn’t deserted.   It is inhabited by a tribe of cannibals.

And they have their sights on Riku.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

I liked Lone Samurai.  It’s a flawed film, but it has it’s moments.  Unfortunately the film’s reviews have been brutal.  I think part of the problem is the marketing of the film.  If you’ve seen the trailer, it looks like you’re in for an action fest from start to finish.

That is not what you get.

The film is divided into three sections.  The first part is a slow burn character study.  We spend time with Riku as he recovers from the injuries sustained in the ship wreck.  Riku struggles to survive.

The second section takes place as Riku is captured by the cannibals.  Riku isn’t the only prisoner.  Riku is shocked at the brutality of his captors and that they eat their captives.

The third is section is all out action as Riku escapes and fights off the cannibals as they attempt to capture/kill him.

Granted, there are some things that happen that could have been set up better (in regard to writing and film editing).  But if you’re a fan of movies like The 13th Warrior and Bone Tomahawk, then you might enjoy this one.  I did.

Lone Samurai  (2025) rates 3 of 5 stars.

“Little Brother” (2026) starring John Cena and Eric Andre / Z-View

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Little Brother  (2026)

Director:  Matt Spicer

Screenplay: Jarrad Paul, Andrew Mogel

Stars:  John Cena, Eric André, Michelle Monaghan, Ego Nwodim,  Sherry Cola and Christopher Meloni.

Tagline: An uncomfortably touching comedy.

The Plot…

Rudd Landy has a beautiful wife, two healthy boys and a successful real estate career.  Sadly, Rudd has always lived in Josh, his older brother’s shadow.  That may change if Rudd makes good on his shot to star in a reality series.

Rudd rushes to the hospital when he gets a call that his brother was in a bad wreck.  Rudd arrives to discover it wasn’t Josh in an accident.  A man named Marcus was… and Marcus claims to be Rudd’s brother.

It turns out that in high school, Rudd on a whim, signed up for the Big Brother program.  Rudd became Marcus’ “big brother.”  They hung out for a while and then as time passed drifted apart.  They hadn’t seen each other in decades.

But Marcus wants to rekindle their friendship.

Rudd thinks Marcus is working a scam.  Rudd’s wife thinks Marcus is sincere and invites him to stay with them while he recovers.

If Rudd thought his issues with his older brother were a problem, wait until he gets a load of what his little “brother” brings.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Little Brother‘s tagline, An uncomfortably touching comedy, is spot on.  Some of the humor is gross and uncomfortable.  If that’s your jam, you’ll like this better than me.

Little Brother  (2026) rates 2 of 5 stars.

“Play Misty for Me” (1971) directed and starring Clint Eastwood, also starring Jessica Walter, Donna Mills and John Larch / Z-View

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Play Misty for Me  (1971)

Director:  Clint Eastwood

Screenplay: Jo Heims, Dean Riesner;  story by Jo Heims

Stars:  Clint Eastwood, Jessica Walter, Donna Mills, John Larch, Clarice Taylor and Don Siegel.

Tagline: The scream you hear may be your own!

The Plot…

Dave Garner is a late night DJ.  Dave is also a player.  He’s good looking and knows it.  His womanizing ways cost him his relationship with Tobie, the woman would might have been “the one”.

Dave often stops in for a drink at his favorite bar after work.  Sometimes he uses his charm and good looks to pick up a woman.  Dave always makes sure that his new friend knows that he’s only looking for a casual relationship.  Which is what happens the night he meets Evelyn Draper.  She’s attractive, friendly and like Dave, isn’t looking for anything more than a good time.

It turns out Evelyn wasn’t being honest.  Worse still, she isn’t the friendly rationale person she seemed.

When Tobie comes back into Dave’s life, things spiral out of control.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Don Siegel, who directed five Clint Eastwood films, appears as Murph, the bartender.

Play Misty for Me marks Clint Eastwood’s debut as a film director… and Don Siegel’s as an actor.

The film was originally to be set in LA.  Clint Eastwood changed the location to  the small town of Carmel-by-the-Sea.  Eastwood was then able to film at actual locations (the radio station, bars, houses, etc.).  Years later Clint Eastwood would become mayor of Carmel-by-the-Sea.

The concert scenes were shot at the 1970 Monterey Jazz Festival.

Jessica Walter is amazing in her role as Evelyn.  She was nominated for a well-deserved Golden Globe Award for Best Actress.

I saw this film when it was first released.  I made the tagline, “the scream you hear may be your own” come true.  (Keep in mind I was just 13.)  I’ve watched Play Misty for Me many times over the years and it still holds up.

Play Misty for Me  (1971) rates 5 of 5 stars.

“Contagion” directed by Steven Soderbergh, starring Marion Cotillard, Matt Damon, Laurence Fishburne, Jude Law, Gwyneth Paltrow and Kate Winslet / Z-View

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Contagion (2011)

Director: Steven Soderbergh

Screenplay:  Scott Z. Burns

Strs: Marion Cotillard, Matt Damon, Laurence Fishburne, Jude Law, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kate Winslet, Bryan Cranston, Jennifer Ehle, Sanaa Lathan, John Hawkes and Elliott Gould.

Tagline: Nothing Spreads Like Fear

The Plot…

Beth Emhoff returns home from a Hong Kong business trip feeling a bit under the weather.  Two days later, Beth is dead.  Her young son who became ill shortly after her return soon dies as well.

When others around the country show the same symptoms as Beth and quickly die, the Center for Disease Control and Homeland Security go on high alert.  The CDC has never seen a virus like this.  Scientists must develop a plan to minimize deaths caused by the virus as they search for a cure.  Masks, distancing and other steps are accepted by some but not others.  Meanwhile Homeland Security works to discover if this outbreak was a planned attack.  If so, they must work out the appropriate response.

As the virus rapidly spreads, and the deaths mount, conspiracy theories abound.  They only create more confusion, doubt and distrust.

If a cure isn’t found, millions more will die.  The clock is ticking.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

I saw Contagion when it was first released.  I thought it was a good film. I recently watched it again and thought it was even better.  Although made nearly a decade before COVID, so much of the events covered in the film actually took place during the COVID pandemic.

In December 2019, Contagion was listed in 270th place in Warner Bros.’ catalogue.  Since the COVID pandemic the film has become much more popular rising as high as #2.  After COVID Contagion also reappeared at the top of ITunes rentals.

The head used in Gwyneth Paltrow’s autopsy was actually created for the movie Se7en and reused here.

Contagion (2011) rates 4 of 5 stars.

NIGHTFALL (aka THE DARK CHASE) by David Goodis / Z-View

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NIGHTFALL (aka THE DARK CHASE) by David Goodis

First sentence…

“It was one of those hot sticky nights that makes Manhattan show its age.”

The Overview:  Beware of Spoilers…

Jim Vanning is a wanted man.  The cops want him in regard to the theft of $300,000.00.  The crooks involved in the theft want Vanning as well.  Problem is, Vanning can’t remember exactly what happened.

Vanning knows a man was killed during the robbery.  Did he kill the guy?  Was he part of the robbery crew?  Was he an innocent that got caught up in the theft?   He knows he had the $300,000.00 in a satchel at one point.  Now he doesn’t know what happened to the loot.

Vanning is tired of running.  It’s just a question of who or what is going to get to him first… the crooks… the cops… or his memory.

+++

NIGHTFALL was also released under the titles CONVICTED and THE DARK CHASE.  It was also adapted into a feature film under the Nightfall title in 1957.  It was directed by Jacques  (Cat People; Out of the Past; Night of the Demon) Tourneur and starred Aldo Ray, Brian Keith and Anne Bancroft.

Rating:

“Fluttering Hearts”(1927) starring Charley Chase and Oliver Hardy / Z-View

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Fluttering Hearts (1927)

Director: James Parrott

Screenplay:  H.M. Walker

Stars:  Charley Chase, Oliver Hardy, Martha Sleeper.

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

A young woman cannot wait to get to a big department store sale.  Her reckless driving attracts the attention of a motorcycle cop.  The woman arrives at the sale with the cop in hot pursuit.  Charley, attracted to the woman decides to help her.

Later, in an effort to get in good with the lady’s dad, Charley goes up against Big Bill, a mobster who is blackmailing her father.

Let the antics begin!

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Charley Chase was an writer, director and actor.  Although he died at a relatively young age (46), his resume includes 282 acting roles, 174 films as a director and 37 as writer.

Fluttering Hearts was directed by Charley Chase’s brother.

Oliver Hardy (of Laurel & Hardy fame) plays Big Bill.

Fluttering Hearts (1927) rates 3 of 5 stars.

“Famous Last Words: Eric Dane” (2025) / Z-View

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Famous Last Words: Eric Dane  (2025)

Director:  Ivan Dudynsky

Stars:  Eric Dane, Brad Falchuk

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

Eric Dane knew he was dying.  In April 2025, he was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Since the diagnosis, Dane’s health rapidly declined.  Three months before his death, Dane sat with Brad Falchuk for a final interview.

The interview took place in a closed studio room.  Camera operators were outside the set and couldn’t hear what was being said.  Falchuk guided the conversation which touched on topics such as living in the present; choosing friends wisely, finding your passion/joy and dealing with hardships with grace.

Then Falchuk left the room.  Dane was given the time to speak his final last words.  Dane’s last message would not be heard by anyone until after his death and the interview aired.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

The interview was filmed secretly in November 2025.  Dane died on February 19, 2026.  The interview premiered the next day.

I was an Eric Dane fan thanks to the series The Last Ship.  I became a bigger fan after watching this interview.  He approached his end with positivity, dignity and self-reflection.  His final message was to his fans and daughters.

Famous Last Words: Eric Dane  (2025) rates 5 of 5 stars.

“Slayground” (1983) starring Peter Coyote / Z-View

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Slayground  (1983)

Director:  Terry Bedford

Screenplay: Trevor Preston; based on SLAYGROUND by Richard Stark

Stars:  Peter Coyote, Mel Smith, Billie Whitelaw.

Tagline: Welcome to Your Funeral

The Plot…

Stone is a career criminal.  He’s ready to walk away from his next planned armed robbery because his regular getaway driver is unavailable.  Stone’s partner has another wheelman for the job and convinces Stone to go through it.

Big mistake.

The new driver is inexperienced.  During the getaway, he causes a crash that kills a nine-year-old girl.  The girl’s father is a millionaire.  He hires a hitman to find and murder the men responsible for his daughter’s death.

The killer is relentless and the girl’s father has money to pay whatever the cost.  When Stone learns there is a price on his head, he goes on the run.

But there is no where he can hide.  The killer is closing in.

Stone… welcome to your funeral.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Slayground is based on the novel of the same name by Richard Stark (Donald Westlake).  Except for the title, little else from Stark’s novel makes it onscreen.

When the film was released I thought it was another killer at a carnival movie.  Years later I learned it was based on the Parker novels by Richard Stark.  So I gave it a go only to find out it had little to do with the Stark’s novel.  Meh.

Slayground  (1983) rates 2 of 5 stars.

“Gladiator” (2000) directed by Ridley Scott, starring Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, Connie Nielsen & Oliver Reed / Z-View

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Gladiator  (2000)

Director:  Ridley Scott

Screenplay: David Franzoni, John Logan, William Nicholson; story by David Franzoni

Stars:  Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, Connie Nielsen, Oliver Reed, Derek Jacobi, Djimon Hounsou, Richard Harris, Ralf Moeller, David Hemmings, Sven-Ole Thorsen and Tommy Flanagan .

Tagline: Father of a murdered son, husband to a murdered wife and I shall have my vengeance in this life or the next.

The Plot…

Marcus Aurelius, the aging Emperor of Rome, with the leadership of his best General, Maximus Decimus Meridius, has conquered the Germanic tribes.  There have been many battles, but finally peace has come to Rome.  Maximus now wants to return home to his wife and child.

Emperor Aurelius has other plans for Maximus.  Aurelius says that his son Commodus is unfit to rule.  Aurelius wants Maximus to replace him as leader of Rome.  Not as Emperor, but as a regent as Rome transitions to a republic.

Commodus realizes his father’s plan and secretly murders him.  Commodus then names himself Emperor of Rome.  When Maximus refuses to pledge loyalty to Commodus, Commodus has him arrested and marked for execution.

Maximus escapes only to discover that Commodus had Maximus wife and son murdered.  Maximus is now the father of a murdered son, husband to a murdered wife and he shall have his vengeance in this life or the next.

Prepare to be entertained!

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Gladiator was nominated for twelve 2001 Academy Awards and won five…

  • Nominee for Best Art Direction-Set Decoration – Arthur Max (art director), Crispian Sallis (set decorator)
  • Nominee for Best Music, Original Score – Hans Zimmer
  • Nominee for Best Film Editing – Pietro Scalia
  • Nominee for Best Cinematography – John Mathieson
  • Nominee for Best Writing, Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen – David Franzoni (screenplay/story), John Logan (screenplay), William Nicholson (screenplay)
  • Nominee for Best Director – Ridley Scott
  • Nominee for Best Actor in a Supporting Role – Joaquin Phoenix
  • Winner for Best Effects, Visual Effects – John Nelson, Neil Corbould, Tim Burke, Rob Harvey
  • Winner for Best Sound – Scott Millan, Bob Beemer, Ken Weston
  • Winner for Best Costume Design – Janty Yates
  • Winner for Best Actor in a Leading Role – Russell Crowe
  • Winner for Best Picture – Douglas Wick, David Franzoni, Branko Lustig

Oliver Reed died three weeks short of the end of principal photography.  Ridley Scott didn’t want to recast and reshoot the role (which insurance would have covered).  The script was tweaked and a body double and CGI was used to finish Reed’s role.

Gladiator deserved all of the awards (and nominations) it received.  It is a rare film that continues to entertain over multiple viewings.

Gladiator  (2000) rates 5 of 5 stars.

“Guys and Dolls” starring Marlon Brando, Jean Simmons, Frank Sinatra and Vivian Blaine / Z-View

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Guys and Dolls  (1955)

Director:  Joseph L. Mankiewicz

Screenplay: Joseph L. Mankiewicz; based on Guys and Dolls by Abe Burrows, Jo Swerling, Frank Loesser, Damon Runyon

Stars:  Marlon Brando, Jean Simmons, Frank Sinatra, Vivian Blaine, Stubby Kaye, Johnny Silver, Robert Keith, B.S. Pullym, Regis Toomey and Sheldon Leonard.

Tagline: SAMUEL GOLDWYN presents America’s Own Musical!

The Plot…

Nathan Detroit is feeling the pressure.

Detroit is supposed to put together a huge crap game.  Word went out.  The town is gonna be full of high rollers and Nathan needs to deliver.  Complicating matters are three things.  One: New York City’s finest, Lieutenant Brannigan, is watching Nathan like a hawk.  First sign of an illegal game and he plans to bust Nathan and all involved.  Two: Nathan still needs a location.  Three: Nathan’s fiancée, Miss Adelaide, is pressuring him to marry her — their 14 year engagement is just too long.

Nathan finds the perfect location.  Problem is the location’s owner wants $1,000.00 for the property’s use.  Nathan doesn’t have the needed dough.

Then he gets an idea.  Sky Masterson is in town to gamble.  Sky will be on anything.  If Nathan can get Sky to bet $1,000 on a bet Sky’s sure to lose, Nathan will have the needed cash.

But what is a sure fire bet?

Nathan comes up with the perfect wager.  Sky is a known lady’s man and proud of his reputation.  Nathan gets Sky to say he could get any woman to go out on a date with him.  Nathan then wagers that if he can pick the woman, Sky would fail to get her to go with him to dinner in Havanna.  Sky agrees to the wager.

Nathan picks Sarah Brown.  Sarah happens to be very straight laced and a sister in the Save a Soul Mission.  Sarah runs the local chapter.

Sky wants to con Sarah.  Sarah wants to “save” Sky.   Nathan wants towin the bet so the big craps game is a go.  Miss Adelaide wants to get married.  Lieutenant Brannigan wants to arrest the whole lot of ’em.

There’s no way everyone is going to get what they want.  Wanna bet?

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Guys and Dolls was nominated for four 1956 Academy Awards…

  • Nominee for Best Music, Scoring of a Musical Picture – Jay Blackton, Cyril J. Mockridge
  • Nominee for Best Costume Design, Color – Irene Sharaff
  • Nominee for Best Art Direction-Set Decoration, Color –  Oliver Smith, Joseph C. Wright, Howard Bristol
  • Nominee for Best Cinematography, Color – Harry Stradling Sr.

Frank Sinatra and Marlon Brando had a strained relationship during filming.  Sinatra referred to Brando as “Mumbles”.  Sinatra coveted the role of Sky Masterson and was upset that Brando, got it — especially since Brando wasn’t a singer.

Brando’s singing in the film was put together from multiple takes.  Brando approached Sinatra early on in filming to ask for help with his singing scenes.  Sinatra refused.

Director Joseph L. Mankiewicz made the decision to not shot on location and instead make the sets have the feel of a stage play.  This is a big part of the film’s charm and makes it feel special.

I’m not a huge fan of musicals, but I love Guys and Dolls.

Guys and Dolls  (1955) rates 5 of 5 stars.