Suddenly

This brisk B-movie is elevated particularly by Sinatra’s unfeeling killing machine (which breaks down only at the moment when it is prevented from killing). The subliminal message that protection of the homeland has priority over protection of the person is surprisingly not so different from the propaganda of the Communists, who were the number-one threat to the United States at the time (Baron’s leftist orientation is only implied and neither confirmed nor refuted). The film somewhat more consistently attempts to convince us that the foundation of a safe home, and homeland, is a firearm, which every conscientious citizen, even if a pacifist by conviction, should keep hidden (and loaded, just to be sure) in a drawer. This militant viewpoint is moderated at least by the overly simple warning about the difference between a toy Colt for children and a real gun, which emphatically is not recommended to be handled like a toy. In the end, however, the whole family shoots together anyway. 65% (05/24/2013)

I'm finally getting to know Frank Sinatra in a different way, not just as a singer. I first saw the recent remake of this film, so I was quite curious about how the original version compares. The fact that it was a black-and-white production intrigued me a lot, especially since it was made nine years before Kennedy's death. It’s a fairly intense film, but it lacks a bit more drama and perhaps even some harshness. The remake isn't great, but this original lacks a real punch, even though Frank is charming in the role of the villain. (01/29/2014)