4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
"But it was always her.", March 20, 2005
1946's "Whistle Stop" is one of George Raft's few film noir roles that's available on vhs/dvd, and as previous reviewers have already stated, it's not one of the classic examples of film noir. However, it's really not that bad and it does have a lot going for it, like Dimitri Tiomkin's beautiful score, the amazingly stunning Ava Gardner, and the much underated Victor McLaglen. It's the plot itself, and the stone-faced George Raft, that's unconvincing and that keeps this from being a classic "b" movie of the noir genre.
Ava Gardner plays Mary, a beautiful woman who returns to her small whistle stop hometown after running out of money in Chicago. Mary also wants to see her former boyfriend, Kenny (played by George Raft), who's now a broke alcoholic looser that can't even keep a steady job. But Mary is also drawn to the wealthy Lou (played by Tom Conway), a salloon owner who desperately wants Mary for his own and will stop at nothing to have her.
It's doubtful that a woman like Mary would have anything to do with Kenny in the first place, and Raft's emotionless performance only furthur stretches the film's credibility. What's even more annoying is how Mary goes from Kenny to Lou, then back to Kenny, many times throughout the movie until you're ready to scream! Victor McLaglen plays Kenny's best friend, who unknowingly gets him framed for murder because of his naive trust of the sinister Lou. McLaglen undoubtably gives the best male performance of the whole movie.
Despite the slow pace and unconvincing plot I found this film noir surprisingly entertaining. Unfortunately, it's one of the public domain movies that hasn't been properly restored, and it probably never will be. The sound quality is especially appalling, with a constant ringing sound that only gets worse as you turn up the volume. But for the cheap price I paid for it, I can't complain too much. Overall, I'd say this movie would be most enjoyed by "hardcore" film noir fans.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars
A Drama About Small Town Life, January 16, 2010
Whistle Stop, 1947 film
A steam train passes in the night. A young woman leaves the train, she returns home from Chicago. There is gambling in town, an all-night poker game. "His tongue slipped." Kenny returns home to find Mary. Red roses are sent to Mary. There is conflict in the family. Mary goes to visit Lou at his place. Kenny had words with Lou, they fight over Fran. Conversations carry the story forward. Gitlow plays cards with Kenny, and proposes a scheme to rob Lou when he returns from Detroit. Mary tells Ken that Gitlow was in trouble and Lou saved him. Ken drinks `Schlitz' beer, the best selling brand in America until the late 1960s. The talk carries the story forward. Ken wants to leave town with Mary.
The fair is in town, people were free to use the shooting gallery. Gitlow buys drinks for a man. [Is there a plot?] Ken leaves the dance. Lou takes a pistol to deliver the cash proceeds from the fair. He will take the train. Mary gives a ride to Ken in a Packard convertible. Fran was hurt at the dance, she doesn't like Ken. Will Ken be friends with Lou? Gitlow and Ken find Lou dead in his room! Its Gitlow's gun. The police chase and shoot at them. Where will they go? To a roadhouse near Detroit. Ken figures things out. Gitlow returns to Lou's place, and is shot by Lou. There is a dramatic fight between them. The police are called with the news. Will there be a happy ending?
This is a low-budget film that tells about lives in a small town in the 1940s. A traveling fair provides yearly entertainment, and enriches a wealthy man.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
