Director: Phil Karlson
Produced by Lewis J. Rachmil
Music by George Duning
Stars Edward G. Robinson, Brian Keith, and Ginger Rogers. Yes, I said Ginger Rogers, who can do much more than just dance. In Tight Spot, she plays the feisty blond prisoner, Sherry Conley...a woman behind on fashion and unlucky in love. But don't feel too bad for her. Prosecuting attorney, Lloyd Hallett, played by the always neat-o Edward G. Robinson, is springing her from the joint...only to put her into protective custody so he can bring down notorious gangster Benjamin Costain, played by Lorne Greene.
Brian Keith (A Family Affair, Parent Trap) plays Vince Striker (I LOVE that name!), the cop assigned to protect Conley from the mob wanting to kill her.
Ginger Rogers is believable as Conley in her oh-so-bitter portrayal of a good girl-gone -bad- gone -worse...all the way from her dysfunctional family past to her I just want to be loved present.
And what can I say about Robinson? Well, here's to you, Mr. Robinson. We've all seen him in Key Largo, opposite the ever steamy Bogie and Bacall. We've seen him as a cop in The Stranger and as the patsy in Scarlet Street...and he never disappoints. He's got a face to love or hate, depending on how he chooses to use it.
As far as noir goes, the movie is predictable, but enjoyable and is noir inasmuch as it shows the despair of the human condition and the hopelessness of existence. But the character of Hollett (Robinson) balances this out with his unaltering belief that good shall overcome. And Rogers provides some comic relief with her wide-eyed view of the world...tainted though it may be. I'd categorize this as noir light...and it's worth keeping on your playlist.
