Review of Torch Song (1953) by Alexandra W — 16 Feb 2011

First let's address the elephant in the room: the bizarre, unnecessary, and pedestrianly choreographed blackface number. Joan looks less like a black person and more like an alien ambassador from the planet Glittertron 5. I think it's safe to assume she does not come in peace.

As for the rest of the movie, it's surprisingly unventful and anticlimactic fare. The technicolor and Joan's palpable swagger made me yearn for Johnny Guitar, which is sadly absent from Netflix. Also, I'm not sure what the moral of the story is supposed to be--even blind guys are superficial? even Broadway stars get the blues? Who's to say? Anyway, this film did not deliver its promised punch of scenery chewing and garish colors. I expected high camp and received only medium camp.