Category: Z-View

THERE AND BACK by Eric Beetner / Z-View

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THERE AND BACK by Eric Beetner

First sentence…

THE ROCK SLID from the hand and turned twice in the air, the edge serrated in a peak like a mountain range, blood filling the cracks and fissures.

The Overview:  Beware of Spoilers…

Eight junior executives at a tech company are selected to attend a wilderness retreat.  The trip is billed as a team building exercise.  Not everyone believes it.  There are four opportunities for promotion coming up.  There are eight employees attending.  Do the math.

The drive takes them six and a half hours into the wilderness.  We’re talking remote.  No cell reception.  No other people.  No roads once they’re in.  Although there will be guides going along, no one could have foreseen the accident.  And who would have guessed that the guides would be killed?

The eight are lost.  Little water.  Few supplies.  They won’t be missed for days.  They may not survive that long.  As the hours pass, civility is gone.  No one knows the right thing to do.  Move on.  Wait for help?  Tension mounts as tempers rise.

Eight went in.  Five came out.  What happened to the three that didn’t make it?  The survivors have a secret.  And you know what they say about a secret… “Three can keep a secret if two of them are dead.”  Five, not three came back.

+++++

I’m a huge fan of Eric Beetner’s novels. Each new novel is an automatic pick-up.  Most of his stories are crime yarns.  THERE AND BACK involves crime, but at it’s heart is the mystery of what happened and the survivors’ secret.  THERE AND BACK is an ambitious work and Beetner pulls it off.

Rating:

“To Kill a Mockingbird” (1962) directed by Robert Mulligan, starring Gregory Peck, Mary Badham and Phillip Alford / Z-View

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To Kill a Mockingbird (1962)

Director: Robert Mulligan

Screenplay: Horton Foote; based on TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD by Harper Lee

Stars: Gregory Peck, Mary Badham, Phillip Alford, John Megna, Frank Overton, Rosemary Murphy, Ruth White, Brock Peters, Estelle Evans, Paul Fix, Collin Wilcox Paxton, James Anderson, Alice Ghostley, William Windom, Crahan Denton, Richard Hale and Robert Duvall.

Tagline: The most beloved and widely read Pulitzer Prize Winner now comes vividly alive on the screen!

The Plot…

Summer is always the best time for Scout (Badham), her older brother Jem (Alford) and their friend Dill (Megna).  Like most kids, they play games, stay out until dark and share stories.  Often their tales involve Boo Radley who lives in the scary house just down the way.  Since no one has ever seen Boo, imaginations run wild. Scout’s Dad, Atticus (Peck) warns the children to stay away from the Radley house.  This just makes the stories more exciting.

Atticus is a widowed lawyer and well respected in the town.  That is until, he agrees to defend a black man accused of raping a white woman.  Taking on this case in Alabama in the early 1930s sets off a certain segment of the population.  Unfortunately, even Scout and Jem aren’t safe from taunts and threats.

As the case progresses, tension throughout the small town escalates.  Before it is over, the powder keg will blow and the truth about Boo Radley will be known.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

To Kill a Mockingbird is a classic.  It was nominated for eight Academy Awards and won three…

  • nominee Best Music, Score – Substantially Original: Elmer Bernstein
  • nominee Best Cinematography, Black-and-White: Russell Harlan
  • nominee Best Director: Robert Mulligan
  • nominee Best Actress in a Supporting Role: Mary Badham
  • winner Best Art Direction-Set Decoration, Black-and-White: Alexander Golitzen, Henry Bumstead, Oliver Emert
  • winner Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium: Horton Foote
  • winner Best Actor in a Leading Role: Gregory Peck
  • winner Best Picture: Alan J. Pakula

Brock Peters, who played Tom Robinson the man accused of rape in the film, gave Gregory Peck’s eulogy at his funeral.

First credited role of Robert Duvall and film debut of William Windom.

The character Dill was based on Truman Capote, a childhood friend of author Harper Lee.

To Kill a Mockingbird (1962) rates 5 of 5 stars.

“Conan the Barbarian” (1982) directed by John Milius, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger & James Earl Jones / Z-View

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Conan the Barbarian (1982)

Director: John Milius

Screenplay: John Milius, Oliver Stone; based on CONAN THE BARBARIAN by Robert E. Howard

Stars: Arnold Schwarzenegger, James Earl Jones, Max von Sydow, Sandahl Bergman, Ben Davidson, Cassandra Gava, Gerry Lopez, Mako, Valérie Quennessen, Franco Columbu, Nadiuska, Sven-Ole Thorsen, Ron Cobb and William Smith.

Tagline: Slave. Barbarian. Warrior. Thief… Conan.

The Plot…

When Conan (Scwarzenegger) was a boy, his parents and entire village were massacred by a cult led by Thulsa Doom (Jones).  Conan was sold into slavery to work on the Wheel of Pain at a remote mill.  He grows into manhood.  The wheel has made Conan huge and muscular.  A passing traveler, buys Conan to turn him into a gladiator.

Conan is undefeated in the gladiator pits.  After countless wins, Conan earns his freedom.

Over the years, the cult of Thulsa Doom has grown.  Surrounded by warriors and his own mystical powers, Doom continues his heartless rule.  But now Conan has plans to avenge his parents.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Arnold was perfectly cast as Conan.

Sven-Ole Thorsen who appears as the warrior Thorgrim would go on to appear in a total of 15 films with Arnold Schwarzenegger either as an actor or stuntman.

Arnold was signed for three sequels.  Only one was made and it fell far short of the original.

Conan the Barbarian (1982) rates 4 of 5 stars.

“Rebel Ridge” written & directed by Jeremy Saulnier, starring Aaron Pierre, Don Johnson and Annasophia Robb / Z-View

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Rebel Ridge (2024)

Director: Jeremy Saulnier

Screenplay: Jeremy Saulnier

Stars: Aaron Pierre, Don Johnson, AnnaSophia Robb, David Denman, Emory Cohen, Daniel H. Chung, Dana Lee, C.J. LeBlanc, Brannon Cross, Chelsea Bryan, Al Vicente  and James Cromwell.

Tagline: Their laws. His rules.

The Plot…

Terry Richmond (Pierre) gets word that his younger brother has been arrested in the small town of Shelby Springs.  If his brother can’t come up with $10,000 for bail, he’ll be transported to the state prison to wait until trial.  Terry knows if his brother is sent to prison, he’ll be marked for death because of problems with a gang leader serving time there.

So Terry lets his business partner buy him out of the restaurant they co-own.  Terry then takes the $30,000 and heads directly to Shelby Springs.  If the bail isn’t paid by the end of the day, his brother heads to prison and certain death.  Just outside of the city limit, Terry is pulled over.  The cop gives Terry a hard time.  Despite that, Terry stays polite and calm.  This seems to upset the officer more.  Then the cop discovers Terry has $30,000 in cash.

Despite Terry’s explanation, the cop confiscates the cash.  The officer says that until Terry can prove the money is from a legit source, the town will keep it as a civil forfeiture.  The cop leaves with the cash.  Terry heads into town.

Terry meets with Chief Sandy Burnne (Johnson) and explains the situation.  The money is from a legit source and he needs to pay his brother’s bail to keep him from certain death.  Burnne listens, then tells Terry to hit the road.  He can sue to get the money back, but that will cost more than the amount he’s lost.

The clock is ticking on saving his brother.  Chief Sandy Burnne has a small police force backing him up.  What none of them know is Terry Richmond is a close combat expert who used to train marines.  Terry is a patient man.  Even a patient man has his limits.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Aaron Pierre has a career as an action star if he wants it.  Don Johnson is always good, but here he’s at the top of his game.

John Boyega was originally set to star and had filmed some scenes.  Boyega then left the production, opening the door for Pierre.

Rebel Ridge is like an updated First Blood.  Expect several twists and a rousing good time.

Kudos to writer and director Jeremy Saulnier.  He’s a talent to watch.

Rebel Ridge (2024) rates 5 of 5 stars.

“The Killer” (2024) directed by John Woo / Z-View

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The Killer (2024)

Director: John Woo

Screenplay: Brian Helgeland, Josh Campbell, Matt Stuecken; based on The Killer by John Woo

Stars: Nathalie Emmanuel, Omar Sy, Sam Worthington, Diana Silvers, Saïd Taghmaoui, Tchéky Karyo and Aurélia Agel.

Tagline: A classic. Reloaded.

The Plot…

Zee (Emmanuel) is a hit woman known as The Queen of the Dead.  On a job, Zee successfully eliminates all of her targets.  Unfortunately Jenn Clark, a singer is wounded, causing her to losing her sight.  Although Zee had been hired to execute everyone, she takes pity and allows Jenn to live.

This decision turns Zee’s employers against her.  Now Zee has a crime cartel and the police on her trail.  An unlikely alliance with a police inspector may be her saving grace.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

The Killer (1989) is a classic.  I’m a huge fan of it, so I was looking forward to see what Woo would do with the remake.  Sadly, it fell far short of my expectations.

There had been talk of a The Killer remake for years.  In 1992, Walter Hill and David Giler worked up a script.  The hope was Richard Gere and Denzel Washington would star.  Nicholas Cage had expressed interest if a remake was ever created.

The Killer (2024) rates 2 of 5 stars.

“Sorcerer” (1977) directed by William Friedkin, starring Roy Scheider / Z-View

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Sorcerer (1977)

Director: William Friedkin

Screenplay: Walon Green basede on LE SALAIRE de la PEUR by Georges Arnaud

Stars: Roy Scheider, Amidou, Ramon Bieri, Peter Capell, Jacques François, Frank Pesce, Tom Signorelli and Joe Spinell.

Tagline: WANTED. Four men willing to drive a cargo of death to escape a life in hell.

The Plot…

Four men, on the run from their home countries have ended up in a small South American village.  They are:

  • Nilo, a Mexican hitman.
  • Kassem, an Arab terrorist
  • Victor, a French banker who embezzled millions
  • Jackie (Scheider), a U.S. getaway driver. During his last robbery one of his partners killed the brother of a Mafia kingpin.  Jackie, like each of these men has been marked for death.

All four men have by accident ended up in the same poor South American village.  They eek out a meager living working long hours for an American oil company.  When one of the company’s oil wells explodes, the only way to put out the resulting fire is by explosion.

Two truckloads of highly explosive nitroglycerin need to be transported to the oil well.  The journey will go through rainforests, over raging rivers, dangerous mountain roads, and areas where bandits kill travelers.  The company offers a huge bonus for any drivers willing to attempt the suicide mission.

Nilo, Kassem, Victor and Jackie are selected.  The four men will have to overcome personal differences and all of the obstacles of the trip… even then not all will survive.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Stephen King has said that Sorcerer is his all time favorite movie.

Director William Friedkin said that the shoot was plagued by malaria, food poisoning and injury.  Friedkin contacted malaria and lost 50 pounds.

The decaying bridge scene over a raging river is a classic.  Despite looking like it could collapse at any moment, it was a special effect masterpiece.  It cost $1 million to construct.  The water below was only one and a half feet deep.  Friedkin created the visual effect of a raging river using wind machines, helicopters and huge water hoses.  The visuals are amazingly real.

Reportedly Friedkin wasn’t happen with Scheider in the starring role.  Friedkin wanted Steve McQueen.  McQueen would only agree if his wife, Ali McGraw was also cast.  Friedkin refused, so McQueen dropped out.  Friedkin then went after Clint Eastwood, Jack Nicholson, Gene Hackman and Kris Kristofferson without success.  Friedkin agreed to have Scheider take the lead.  Friedkin later called it the worst casting decision he ever made.

The film has achieved a cult status, but was considered a failure when released.

The final scene is a classic.  A sound effect lives the viewer to determine the ending.

Sorcerer (1977) rates 4 of 5 stars.

SCENE OF THE CRIME by Ed Brubaker, Michael Lark & Sean Phillips / Z-View

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SCENE OF THE CRIME by Ed Brubaker (writer), Michael Lark (artist), Sean Phillips (artist)

The Overview:  Beware of Spoilers…

Jack Herriman is surprised when he gets a call from his dead father’s former partner, Detective Paul Raymonds.  Jack’s dad was assassinated in the line of duty when Jack was a teenager. Jack didn’t deal with the loss well and made some bad choices. Detective Raymonds helped Paul along the way.

But that was years ago.  Jack turned his life around.  He got clean.  Jack began working as a Private Investigator.  Detective Raymonds wants Jack to find a missing woman named Maggie. Maggie is the daughter of Raymonds’ mistress.

Finding Maggie is surprisingly easy.  She’s a free spirit. Jack follows the leads and meets her.  After some back and forth, they decide to talk over a meal.  Maggie agrees to call her mother and reassure her she’s safe.  There’s chemistry between Jack and Maggie.  As he drops her at her hotel room, they both agree they’ll see each other again.

The next morning Maggie is found murdered in her hotel room.  In a bag is $10,000 in cash.

Now the case is personal.  Jack is determined to find Maggie’s killer.  The trail will lead to other crimes, a family conspiracy and secrets that are as sickening as they are shocking.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

SCENE OF THE CRIME was the first time that Ed Brubaker worked with both Michael Lark and Sean Phillips.  Brubaker would go on to have celebrated runs on Daredevil and Gotham Central.  Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips would go on to create the Criminal series and so many other classic tales.

The book also contains the following extras…

  • Intro by Brian Michael Bendis
  • Covers from the original comic series
  • Gods and Sinners, a heartbreaking short tale featuring Jack Herriman
  • The Untold Story of Scene of the Crime by Ed Brubaker
  • Examples of Michael Larks pencils and Sean Phillips inks

SCENE OF THE CRIME by Ed Brubaker (writer), Michael Lark (artist), Sean Phillips (artist) rates 5 of 5 stars.

Rating:

“The Faculty” (1998) directed by Robert Rodriguez / Z-View

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The Faculty (1998)

Director: Robert Rodriguez

Screenplay: Kevin Williamson; story by David Wechter, Bruce Kimmel

Stars: Jordana Brewster, Clea DuVall, Laura Harris, Josh Hartnett, Shawn Hatosy, Salma Hayek, Famke Janssen, Piper Laurie, Christopher McDonald, Bebe Neuwirth, Robert Patrick, Usher, Daniel von Bargen, Elijah Wood, Jon Abrahams, Danny Masterson, Harry Knowles and Jon Stewart.

Tagline: Six students are about to find out their teachers really are from another planet.

The Plot…

When some members of the Herrington High faculty begin to act strangely, only a few students notice. Delilah (Brewster) and Casey (Wood) secretly see two teachers turning another faculty member and realize aliens are involved.

Only four of their closest friends believe what is happening.  As more of the faculty and students are turned the six students realize it is up to them to stop the alien takeover.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

The Faculty is like a love letter to horror movies of the 1950s geared to high school students with a nice helping of Invasion of the Body Snatchers and The Thing.

The Faculty features Jordana Brewster and Usher’s film debut.

Bebe Neuwirth and Robert Patrick own their scenes.

The Faculty (1998) rates 4 of 5 stars.

“14 Hours” (1951) starring Paul Douglas and Richard Basehart / Z-View

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14 Hours (1951)

Director: Henry Hathaway

Screenplay: John Paxton; based on The Man on the Ledge by Joel Sayre

Stars: Paul Douglas, Richard Basehart, Barbara Bel Geddes, Debra Paget, Agnes Moorehead, Robert Keith, Howard Da Silva, Jeffrey Hunter, Martin Gabel, Frank Faylen, Jeff Corey, James Millican, Donald Randolph, Richard Beymer, John Cassavetes, Ossie Davis, Leif Erickson, Brian Keith, Rusty Lane and Grace Kelly.

Tagline: From the edge of the ledge he defied them all!

The Plot…

Robert Cosick (Basehart) has climbed out on the 15th story ledge outside his hotel room.  Cosick is threatening to jump.  The first officer on the scene is street cop Charlie Dunnigan (Douglas).  Dunnigan begins talking to Cosick in an attempt to get him to come back in.

When Dunnigan’s Chief and the police psychologist arrive, Dunnigan is sent back down to help with crowd control.  Cosick refuses to talk with anyone but Dunnigan, so he’s brought back up.

On ground level a crowd has formed.  It’s a circus atmosphere. Some want Cosick to jump while others are betting on the time he comes off the ledge.

As the minutes turn into hours, the chance of a safe outcome grows smaller.  The clock is ticking…

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

14 Hours features the film debut of Grace Kelly, Joyce Van Patten and John Cassavetes.  In addition, Jeffrey Hunter, Brian Keith and Ossie Davis have bit parts.

14 Hours is based on a real incident from 1938.  After a 12 hour standoff, a man jumped 17 stories to his death.

To Catch a Killer (2023) rates 4 of 5 stars.

“Breakout” (1975) starring Charles Bronson, Robert Duvall & Jill Ireland / Z-View

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Breakout (1975)

Director: Tom Gries

Screenplay: Howard B. Kreitsek, Marc Norman; based on THE TEN SECOND BREAKOUT by Elliott Baker

Stars: Charles Bronson, Robert Duvall, Jill Ireland, Randy Quaid, Sheree North, Jorge Moreno, Emilio Fernández, Paul Mantee, Alan Vint, Alejandro Rey, Roy Jenson, Sidney Clute, Chalo González and John Huston.

Tagline: Sentenced to 28 years in prison for a crime he never committed. Only two things can get him out – A lot of money and Charles Bronson!

The Plot…

Jay Wagner (Duvall) is framed for murder and sent to a Mexican prison.  All hope is lost.  Unwilling to give up, Jay’s wife, Ann (Ireland) turns to Nick Colton (Bronson).  Colton is a pilot with a crazy plan that just might work.

What Colton doesn’t know is the people that framed Jay will go to any length to see he never leaves prison.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Tom Gries directed two Charles Bronson films in 1975; this one and Breakheart Pass.

Believe it or not, this film was based on a real life Mexican prison escape using a helicopter.

With Charles Bronson and Robert Duvall starring, I was hoping for a better movie.

Breakout (1975) rates 3 of 5 stars.

“Arnold” (2023) starring Arnold Schwarzenegger / Z-View

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Arnold (2023)

Director: Lesley Chilcott

Stars: Arnold Schwarzenegger, James Cameron, Sylvester Stallone, Linda Hamilton, Danny DeVito, Jamie Lee Curtis, Frank Zane, Boyer Coe, Jay Leno, Franco Columbu and Ivan Reitman.

Tagline: A city at the center of chaos. A detective with special skills. A madman testing her limits.

The Plot…

Arnold is a three part mini-series on the life of Arnold Schwarzenegger.  Each episode has a focus: 1) Athlete, 2) Actor and 3) American.  Arnold shares photos, videos and behind-the-scenes stories.  He is surprisingly frank about his life, including mistakes he’s made along the way.

It would have been easy for Arnold to just put the spotlight on his successes. Kudos to him for speaking frankly about his triumphs and shortfalls.

Arnold (2023) rates 5 of 5 stars.

“Breakheart Pass” (1975) starring Charles Bronson / Z-View

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Breakheart Pass (1975)

Director: Tom Gries

Screenplay:  Alistair MacLean; based on BREAKHEART PASS by Alistair MacLean

Stars: Charles Bronson, Ben Johnson, Richard Crenna, Jill Ireland, Charles Durning, Ed Lauter, Bill McKinney, David Huddleston, Roy Jenson, Rayford Barnes, Scott Newman, Robert Tessier, Joe Kapp, Sally Kirkland, Eddie Little Sky, Paul Frees (voice) and Archie Moore.

Tagline: Death rode the express to Breakheart Pass.

The Plot…

A train is heading to Fort Humbold, a remote frontier outpost.  The soldiers at the fort have reported a diphtheria outbreak.  The train carries medical supplies, replacement soldiers, and civilians including Governor Fairchild (Crenna) and his fiancée Marica (Ireland), the daughter of the fort’s commander.  Also on board are U.S. Marshal Pearce (Johnson) and his prisoner, John Deakin (Bronson).

As the train gets further from civilization, people started turning up murdered.  There is a killer or killers on board.  To complicate matters, outlaw Levi Calhoun (Tessier) has joined with Chief White Hand (Little Sky) to rob the train of the weapons being taken to the fort.

No one knows who can be trusted.  As the bodies pile up, secrets are revealed and a conspiracy unfolds.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

The Breakheart Pass is a real location in Nevada’s Rocky Mountains.  And yes, trains pass through it.

The railroad cars that go off track and are destroyed weren’t miniatures.  They were actual full-sized train cars.

Archie Moore, the longest fighter to hold the light heavyweight title, has a featured role.  Moore fought in three weight divisions over his career.  He held the light heavyweight title for ten years!  His boxing record was 186 – 23.

Breakheart Pass is an under-rated Charles Bronson film.

Breakheart Pass (1975) rates 4 of 5 stars.

BROOKLYN BLOOD by Paul Levitz and Tim Hamilton / Z-View

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BROOKLYN BLOOD by Paul Levitz (writer) and Tim Hamilton (artist)

The Overview:  Beware of Spoilers…

Detective Billy O’Connor suffers from PTSD.  His time in Afghanistan took a heavy toil.  O’Connor has occasional hallucinations and blackouts.  He’s been able to keep it together, but things that trigger episodes are becoming more frequent.

Detective Nadira Hasan is O’Connor’s partner.  She’s aware of O’Connor’s issues, but has his back.  They’re a good team.  That’s why they get the assignment when a serial killer begins leaving gruesomely mutilated bodies in public places.

As O’Connor and Hasan work the case, O’Connor’s visions begin to change from Afghanistan to terrible images from Brooklyn’s past.  He’s seeing things that make no sense, but are somehow connected.  O’Connor thinks a psychic may have some answers.  When O’Connor tells Hasan, she’s skeptical.  But as bodies pile, up, anything is worth a shot.

As O’Connor and Hasan get closer to the killer, he turns his sights on them.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

I knew Paul Levitz from his days as a writer and editor for DC Comics.  I liked his one sentence summary for BROOKLYN BLOOD: In Brooklyn, a serial killer is on the loose–and when strange clues lead down a paranormal path, a detective confronts his inner demons to solve the case.

I wasn’t familiar with Tim Hamilton’s art, but that’s what got me to pull the trigger on the purchase.  His storytelling is straightforward with interesting camera angles.  I especially love Hamilton’s inking.  He has an open art style, then comes in with bold inks.  He’s great at spotting blacks and creating a page that pops.  I definitely will keep my eyes open for more from Hamilton.  I’d love to see him take on additional crime/noir stories.

BROOKLYN BLOOD definitely leans into the paranormal aspect of the case with Lovecraftian monsters showing up at the end of the tale.  If that’s you’re thing, you’re going to like the story even more than me.  I was entertained and enjoyed the ride.

BROOKLYN BLOOD by Paul Levitz (writer) and Tim Hamilton (artist) rates 3 of 5 stars.

Rating:

“The Taking of Pelham One Two Three” (1974) starring Walter Matthau & Robert Shaw / Z-View

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The Taking of Pelham One Two Three (1973)

Director: Joseph Sargent

Screenplay: Peter Stone;  based on THE TAKING OF PELHAM ONE TWO THREE by John Godey

Stars: Walter Matthau, Robert Shaw, Martin Balsam, Hector Elizondo, Earl Hindman, James Broderick, Dick O’Neill, Lee Wallace, Tom Pedi, Nathan George, Rudy Bond, Kenneth McMillan, Doris Roberts, Julius Harris and Jerry Stiller.

Tagline: We are going to kill one passenger a minute until New York City pays us 1 million dollars.

The Plot…

Four armed men, code named Mr. Blue, Mr. Grey, Mr. Brown and Mr. Green hijack subway train Pelham One Two Three.  The cut loose the first car and hold its 17 passengers and conductor hostage.

Their demand: One Million Dollars.  If the money isn’t delivered in one hour, they will kill one passenger for each minute that passes.

The clock is ticking.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

The Taking of Pelham One Two Three is an effective thriller.  Part of the fun is trying to figure out how the hijackers expect to get away since they are also trapped in the subway.

Peter Stone did an excellent job of adapting John Godey’s best selling novel.  It is my favorite film directed by Joseph Sargent.

Walter Matthau and Robert Shaw were the big name stars, but the supporting cast more than pull their weight. Kudos to  Doris (“Everybody Loves Raymond”) Roberts and Jerry (“Seinfeld” and “King of Queens”) Stiller best known for their comedy roles, who appear in serious roles here.

The fade out shot is a classic.

The Taking of Pelham One Two Three (1973) rates 4 of 5 stars.

“No Questions Asked” (1951) starring Barry Sullivan, Arlene Dahl, George Murphy & Jean Hagen / Z-View

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No Questions Asked (1951)

Director: Harold F. Kress

Screenplay: Sidney Sheldon; story by Berne Giler

Stars: Barry Sullivan, Arlene Dahl, Jean Hagen, Richard Anderson, Moroni Olsen, Danny Dayton, William Phipps, Howland Chamberlain and Robert Osterloh.

Tagline: M-G-M presents the inside story of the men and their women in the “stolen goods” racket.

The Plot…

Steve Keiver (Sullivan) wants to marry Ellen Sayburn (Dahl).  Trouble is he can’t afford her lifestyle.  Not on his insurance investigator’s salary.  When some valuable furs are stolen, Keiver gets a brainstorm.  It’s risky, but Ellen is worth it.

Keiver meets with some locally known mobsters.  Keiver puts out word he will accept the furs, no questions asked.  In turn he will pay them $7,500 of the $10,000 insurance reward.  Keiver will keep $2,500 for his trouble.

Surprisingly, Keiver’s deal is accepted.  Keiver takes the money to buy a ring for Ellen. Then he learns that she’s with someone else.  So when mobsters come to Keiver with more stolen goods, he’s more than eager to act as the go-between with the insurance companies.  The insurance companies like getting the goods back, but aren’t too happy with Keiver.  The cops even less so.  But he’s not doing anything illegal.  Immoral maybe, but not illegal.

As Keiver gets in deeper with the crooks, it’s only a matter of time before things go sideways.  And when things go bad, people get killed.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

No Questions Asked  has an interesting idea that quickly loses steam.

No Questions Asked (1951) rates 2 of 5 stars.