At 94 minutes, this must be the longest "B" film ever released. Why Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer put it into circulation at this inordinate length is a bit of a mystery. Even cut back to 54 minutes, the film at best would be only mildly acceptable. But, at 94 minutes, it gets my vote as the dullest, the most tedious and the most lacking in production values that I have ever come across. Indeed, it's hard to believe that the gifted team of Panama and Frank were responsible, as it totally lacks their usual wit and sparkle. In fact, it's one of the most talkative movies ever made. Ezio Pinza is poorly photographed and looks like a fish. On the other hand, Janet Leigh is overly bathed with light and Millard Mitchell is limited to extended mugging in numerous unnecessary reaction shots. Gale Robbins is effective in an extremely small part as a would-be operatic star. She's given not even one single close-up! Ezio Pinza sings four numbers, but to my mind his voice is too heavy for songs like "I'll See You in My Dreams", which needs a light, pleasant voice, not heavy thunder! TV star, Maria Palmer, is attractively groomed as the jilted countess. Despite the film's length, production values are well below M-G-M's usual high standard.
Review of Strictly Dishonorable
Strictly Dishonorable
(1951)
I guess I'm halfway between other critics!
25 September 2016
Warning: Spoilers