Guns, Girls and Gangsters
directed by Edward Cahn
directed by Edward Cahn
Van Doren's appeal was more always more "bad girl" than Marilyn's wide eyed innocent schtick. For whatever reason Van Doren never had Monroe's success.
After a number of roles in movies that didn't quite break through Van Doren began (and has since continued) to star in films that rarely pretended to be about anything more than showcasing her physical attributes.
This short running 1958 movie shows that if Van Doren had gotten a few more breaks she could have been as well known for her acting as for her hourglass figure, platinum hair, and va-va voom looks. So it goes.
The movie's title is truth in advertising. There's not a lot of wasted dialogue. Everyone gets his or her fair share of snarky one-liners and tough guy/gal comebacks.
Although the film is not risque by today's standards it features frank male appreciation for the feminine form which might be considered in poor taste in a post #metoo world. As one character notes of Van Doren's character, "She may not be built-in but she sure is built!"
Vi Victor (Van Doren) is a Vegas nightclub dancer who knows what men like. As she says before one performance , "Step back boys, I like to take deep breaths!"
There are three men who either know or would like to know Vi in that way. The group includes the nightclub owner/gangster Joe Darren (Grant Richards), just released ex-con Chuck (Gerald Mohr), and Vi's husband, the insanely jealous, possessive, and murderous incarcerated hoodlum Mike (Lee Van Cleef).
Mike won't grant Vi a divorce even though Vi's made it clear that she doesn't love him. But Mike doesn't hear or understand the world no. What his is his until he says otherwise. Got it??
Chuck is Mike's former cellmate. Chuck looks up Vi. Chuck knows that Vi and Joe are together, something that would displease Mike. But Chuck can keep quiet. Chuck and Mike have created a sure fire robbery plan with split second timing. Chuck needs Vi's and Joe's assistance. The take can be split four ways with enough for everyone to retire.
There are complications. Joe dislikes Chuck's glances at Vi and Vi's responses. After the job Chuck intends to flee to Mexico and live it up in style. Maybe Vi would like to accompany him?
The imprisoned Mike doubts Vi's and Chuck's loyalty. Mike thinks about breaking out to ensure he gets his woman and his money, even if he has to bust some heads or drop some bodies along the way.
Vi is on an emotional rollercoaster. She's choosing between Joe and Chuck, worrying about Mike, and experiencing sympathy for an innocent young couple who get caught up in events. This was a decent crime B-movie which only rarely went over the top into melodrama.
