Originally made for TV but released theatrically instead when studio executives decided that the movie was too good for TV -- and that's just its problem. The movie really fits between two stools. Too compelling and too well-made for TV. but not blessed with the requisite film know-how and minimal production values for cinemas! In all, this one is a curate's egg of a movie -- good in parts! The story itself is terrible bosh, but it is well acted and director Weis has managed to create a moody atmosphere that is not ineffective but even moderately compelling at times. The movie is also blessed with skillful film editing and clever camera set-ups in which individuals are moodily isolated against their surroundings. All told, these innovations would probably work more compellingly on the box. At best, the movie is a mixed blessing and will probably annoy rather than satisfy most cinema patrons.
Review of Ride the High Iron
