Review of 52 Pick-Up (1986) by Orlando D — 21 Dec 2012

With a top notch cast, skillfull direction and a wonderfully written story, 52 Pick Up was an underrated crime thriller from the 80's. Based on the Elmore Leonard book, this stars Roy Scheider as a Los Angeles business who's wife(Ann Margaret) is a lawyer with poltical ambitious, he is brought into a web of blackmail by three sleazy degenerates who made tapes of him and his mistress(a very young and sexy Kelly Preston) they demand money, Scheider refuses to pay and leads to tragic consequences for Preston, he gets set up for murder.

What makes this film works is the performances of four actors in the film who standout; Ann Margaret proves that she is a talented actress and gives an understated performance of calm even when Scheider tells her about his affair, Clarence Williams III meanacing presence alone sends a chill down to the bone and Vanity(yes, Vanity) as a stripper who knows more than she should.

But the powerhouse performer is John Glover who's performance alone as the murdering blackmailer is excellent, he's charming, sleazy and intense all at once. John Frankenheimer is excellent form in assembling this fine cast and keeps the tension on from the first frame to the last.

Many have argued that the quality of Cannon Films was low grade, I beg to differ with this film.