Gilda
Director: Charles Vidor
Year Released: 1946
Rating: 3.5
As highly "coded" as any picture I've ever seen, since the underlying "meaning," if dealt with in a straightforward way, wouldn't have gotten past the rather strict sensors. Street hustler Glenn Ford has chance encounter with all-too-effeminate casino owner; eventually, the casino owner weds Rita Hayworth, which puts a strain on the already bizarre relationship between the two men. The first hour is simply fantastic, with all three key actors making the seedy undertones all the more intriguing; the second considerably less so, as it is broken up by two song numbers (by Hayworth), the second being something of a striptease (although she only removes her gloves - the dress' zipper seems stuck). It's camp done perfectly, with Vidor and cinematographer Rudolph Mate's camera adding an unforgettable noir atmosphere. It's good stuff, Johnny. Real good.
