Rita Hayworth's eagerly await return to the big screen after an absence
of four years (during which time she endured a turbulent marriage with
the singer Dick Haymes) was a triumph for Columbia Pictures and
re-launched the actress's faltering career. Partnered with rising
star Jack Lemmon and established matinee idol Robert Mitchum, Hayworth
is as resplendent as ever and perks up what is otherwise a fairly
mediocre love triangle affair. After a promising beginning, the
film runs aground towards its mid-point and becomes increasingly
tangled up in its hackneyed plot contrivances.
Although Fire Down Below is
far too long and unwieldy to be a genuine classic, the ebullient
performances from the three likeable leads (supplemented by some
priceless supporting contributions from the likes of Anthony Newley and
Herbert Lom) manage to hold our interest, but only just. With its
exotic locations, artfully framed in lush CinemaScope, the film looks
sumptuous, but, as we know, all that glitters is not gold and this is
far from being the highpoint of Hayworth's long collaboration with
Columbia.
The above content is owned by frenchfilms.org and must not be copied.
Film Synopsis
After the Korean War, Tony and Felix earn a crust by smuggling tobacco
and alcohol around the Caribbean on their tramp boat. One day,
they agree to transport an illegal European immigrant, Irena, in return
for an irresistible 1200 dollar fee. It isn't long before both
Tony and Felix are head over heels in love with Irena and their
friendship turns to deadly rivalry...
Music: Arthur Benjamin, Douglas Gamley, Kenneth V. Jones
Cast:Rita Hayworth (Irena),
Robert Mitchum (Felix),
Jack Lemmon (Tony),
Herbert Lom (Harbour Master),
Bonar Colleano (Lt. Sellers),
Bernard Lee (Dr. Sam),
Edric Connor (Jimmy Jean),
Peter Illing (Captain of Ulysses),
Joan Miller (Mrs. Canaday),
Anthony Newley (Miguel),
Eric Pohlmann (Hotel Owner),
Lionel Murton (The American),
Vivian Matalon (1st U.S. Sailor),
Gordon Tanner (2nd U.S. Sailor),
Maurice Kaufmann (3rd U.S. Sailor),
Murray Kash (Bartender),
Maya Koumani (Waitress),
Phillip Baird (Young Man),
Keith Banks (Drunken Young Man),
'Stretch' Cox Troupe (Limbo Dance by)
Country: UK / USA
Language: English
Support: Color
Runtime: 116 min
The best of American cinema
Since the 1920s, Hollywood has dominated the film industry, but that doesn't mean American cinema is all bad - America has produced so many great films that you could never watch them all in one lifetime.
In his letters to his friends and family, Franz Kafka gives us a rich self-portrait that is surprisingly upbeat, nor the angst-ridden soul we might expect.
American film comedy had its heyday in the 1920s and '30s, but it remains an important genre and has given American cinema some of its enduring classics.