Review of His Kind of Woman (1951) by Stephen T — 15 May 2015
You have to give credit to Howard Hughes because the man knew how to make a film everyone could enjoy. Hughes' RKO Pictures produced His Kind of Woman in 1951 with John Farrow directing. Robert Mitchum and Jane Russell lead, while Vincent Price, Jim Backus, Raymond Burr and Tim Holt support.
The film is similar to another Robert Mitchum film noir - Out of the Past (1947, Jacques Tourneur) - with it's Mexican setting, gangster/mobster antagonist, and rich film noir nuances. Yet it departs from film noir in three key aspects: (1) there is a subdued, battle-of-the-sexes banter throughout, which is usually found in romantic comedies; (2) a (genuine) exciting thriller aspect, and (3) it's beach resort, not urban, landscape.
Wickedly sharp dialogue peppers the screen, while cinematography as an art form is at fever pitch. Mitchum is in classic form and has no trouble at all; Russell, a longtime Hughes protégé and fine actress herself, gives a sensual yet not quite femme fatal performance as she is more Mitchum's equal throughout; and of course Vincent Price's expanded role here as a ham actor/amateur hunter infusing the film with comedy and unexpected loyalty.
Also, several other actors break type in this film: Raymond Burr as the Lucky Luciano-esque gangster, Tim Holt as a fed., and Jim Backus playing a devil-with-a-grin resort guest. This film bends genres in the very best of ways.
Highly recommended!
This review of His Kind of Woman (1951) was written by Stephen T on 15 May 2015.
His Kind of Woman has generally received positive reviews.
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