Review of Whistle Stop (1946) by Eric R — 14 Mar 2012

Whistle Stop is really just an average film that's most redeeming quality is probably Ava Gardner's presence; cause you know, she's gorgeous and such. Mary is the perfect role for Ava, a woman who returns home to her small town after a stint in Chicago, sparking old lying animosity between two of her old boyfriends, Kenny and Lew.

Kenny, played by George Raft, is a flawed character who doesn't have much ambitions; he's a restless soul whose life seems to be given meaning again when Mary gets back into town. Lew, on the other hand, is a wealthy man, who wants to steal Mary away from Kenny.

The film plays out pretty much by the numbers and their isnt much to really praise here in terms of cinematography or direction. George Raft's character is somewhat compelling, in that he fights and scraps for Mary's affection but to me the characters infatuation is purely more about Lust than Love so I didn't really find myself all that interested in whether Kenny would end up with Mary.

It's not a bad film, and Ava Gardner is beautiful and solid as always but nothing you need to rush out and see either.