Suddenly

This brisk B-movie is elevated particularly by Sinatra’s unfeeling killing machine (which breaks down only at the moment when it is prevented from killing). The subliminal message that protection of the homeland has priority over protection of the person is surprisingly not so different from the propaganda of the Communists, who were the number-one threat to the United States at the time (Baron’s leftist orientation is only implied and neither confirmed nor refuted). The film somewhat more consistently attempts to convince us that the foundation of a safe home, and homeland, is a firearm, which every conscientious citizen, even if a pacifist by conviction, should keep hidden (and loaded, just to be sure) in a drawer. This militant viewpoint is moderated at least by the overly simple warning about the difference between a toy Colt for children and a real gun, which emphatically is not recommended to be handled like a toy. In the end, however, the whole family shoots together anyway. 65% (24/05/2013)

I am finally getting to know Frank Sinatra in a slightly different way than just as a singer. I saw the recent remake of this film and I was quite curious about the original version. Just the fact that it was filmed in black and white intrigued me, especially as it was made nine years before Kennedy's death. It's a fairly intense film, but it lacks a bit more drama and maybe even some severity. The remake is nothing great, but it still lacks a real punch, even though Frank is magical in the role of a gangster. (29/01/2014)