This ad will close in 15 seconds

From : northbreed1
Added: Oct 24, 2008
Who's hiring? This is prime Ava; prime noir. THE BRIBE (1949) is one of MGM's best film-noir movies. This video offers some persuasive glimpses why—concentrating on its luscious leading lady. THE BRIBE is a production of veteran talents: Produced by Pandro S. Berman (producer of Astaire/Rogers film fame in the 1930s) Directed by Robert Z. Leonard (his directing career dates back to 1913) Screenwritten by Marguerite Roberts (sixteen years of experience) Cinematography by Joseph Ruttenberg (his 4-time-Oscar-winning career dates back to 1917) Original music by Miklos Rozsa (composing regularly for films since 1937) Actor Robert Taylor (15-year veteran) Actor Charles Laughton (over two decades of experience) Actor Vincent Price (nearly a dozen years in cinema and 25 pictures to his credit) Actress Ava Gardner's film career had "only just begun," in a high-profile way, with 1946's THE KILLERS, though she had appeared—since 1941--in a variety of movies in mostly uncredited roles. She contributes to THE BRIBE like a veteran. As "Elizabeth Hintten," Ava moonlights as an expatriate American singer at Pedro's Café on a fictional Latin American island known as Carlota. The torchy song "Situation Wanted" (Brown/Katz)—although dubbed by vocalist Eileen Wilson—is nothing less than a musical match for Ava to strike, light, and then use to smoke and smolder up the joint. And she does it so damn well. According to Ava's recollection, her leading man Robert Taylor—at the time of the film's production—thought that THE BRIBE was the worst film he'd ever made. I find that hard to believe. Taylor's "Rigby" calls for a strong male lead, challenged both morally, physically, and romantically. Taylor craved rugged-male roles like "Rigby"; he excels, investing his portrayal with characteristic intensity and conviction. The Taylor/Gardner on-/off-screen chemistry was potent, and the two were re-teamed in the films RIDE ,VACQUERO! (1953) and KNIGHTS OF THE ROUND TABLE (1953). Ava biographer Lee Server flatly and unconvincingly declares that THE BRIBE has a poor, unfocused script (by Marguerite Roberts). The evidence suggests a completely opposite evaluation is objectively merited. The story is uncommonly tight and suspenseful, climaxing spectacularly amidst a welter of fireworks. Moreover, the characterizations are varied and interesting—good and evil complexly served by gifted acting. Although derivative in some ways, THE BRIBE is a masterpiece of film noir on its own merits. Questions or comments are sincerely welcome. Lewd, derogatory, or irrational comments will remain unemployed. If it hasn't occurred by the time you read this: would you like to see THE BRIBE restored and released on DVD? Please petition the studio! Warner Home Video Inc. 4000 Warner Blvd. Burbank, CA 91522-1543 CA Tel. 818-954-6000 Toll Free: 800-364-6928 Fax 212-954-7667 whv@b3custserv.com Note: if you are a Warners rep or other interested professional: if, after viewing this video and reading this text, you have any legitimate concerns about this upload, PLEASE send me a detailed private message and I shall respond promptly and courteously. Thank you. And I mean it. Thanks sincerely for viewing!
Category : Film

Video Categories:

Also Try: