Review of Gilda (1946) by Blake P — 17 Aug 2011

"Gilda" is a masterpiece! Johnny (Ford) is a loser, but when a successful casino manager (Macready) offers him a job, his life changes. At first, all is great, but once he meets Gilda (Hayworth), all is not what it just to be-- because Johnny and Gilda had an affair.

Her oblivious husband doesn't realize, but as the movie roars on from romance to suspense, that's when things start to get all the more interesting. Rita was one of the biggest stars of the '40's, scoring hits in musicals like "You Were Never Lovelier", "Cover Girl", and "Tonight and Every Night", but I'm sure most critics were wondering: "Could she really act?" Film noir could not be represented better by this 1946 masterpiece directed by Charles Vidor.

Hayworth gives a groundbreaking performance as the ultimate femme fatale-- even though she uses temptation rather than manipulation like the next best Phyllis from "Double Indemnity". Hayworth never even got an Oscar nomination throughout her entire career, and it's too bad she didnt get one for this, because this is hands down her best performance.

Ford is excellent as well, because of his characters deterioration throughout the movie. He and Hayworth sizzle on screen and made more movies together, the most notable being "Affair in Trinidad".

Vidor does a fantastic job to, and it's so shocking that he's so underrated as well. Even though he didn't make that many movies, he should have been better known for this masterpiece. This movie is spectacular, and Hayworths rendition of "Put the Blame on Mame" is simply one of the sexiest musical numbers of all time.

If you're just starting out watching old cinema, "Gilda" is one you should start out with. Recommended.