The Las Vegas Story
directed by Robert Stevenson
directed by Robert Stevenson
This movie starred Jane Russell in a dramatic role which still featured her most famous assets. I hadn't seen many of Russell's movies. I mostly remembered Russell from when I was a child and saw her end of career commercials where she was hawking underwear allegedly specifically designed for busty women.
This was long before "full-figured" had become a polite euphemism for overweight or morbidly obese. Russell's heyday was in the 40s and 50s. Jane Russell was known during her time at the top for her feminine curves, not necessarily her acting skills.
This rep was a little unfair as Russell rarely was afforded the opportunity to do too much drama. Anyhow Russell got her chance here though her role was limited to lip curls, raised eyebrows, and snarky quips.
This movie had a LOT of snarky quips. I enjoy that in these older movies, the leads and even the secondary actors rarely lack for confidence, style, and wit. Everyone always has a comeback. No one is taking any stuff from anyone, let alone a former, current, or would-be lover. I wish there was more of this snappy dialogue in today's films.
If you've been on the planet for a while you may occasionally remember, fondly or otherwise, the one that got away. For Dave Andrews (Victor Mature) a Las Vegas County Sheriff's Deputy, this person is Linda Rollins (Russell), a nightclub singer. Dave dislikes saying Linda's name.
Dave doesn't want to talk about the reasons for the breakup to Linda's former pianist Happy (the singer Hoagy Carmichael). Happy's curious but not nosy. Happy's primary interests are playing the piano and spreading joy--thus his name.
Linda returns with a new man in tow. Linda's married to the tall, dashing, suave, and possibly criminal minded Lloyd Rollins (Vincent Price so of course his character is just as cool as can be) Lloyd doesn't tell Linda all of his business and to be fair she doesn't always ask.
When Dave discovers Linda's back he rushes to give her a piece of his mind. Dave hates that Linda might think he was pining over her. As the song goes, there's a thin line between love and hate. Linda gives it back as good as she gets it. The two struggle. Will love will triumph over pride and hate?
Lloyd isn't pleased to see sparks flying between his wife and her ex but he has other plans. These plans involve gambling and a necklace valued at over $150,000. Lloyd insists Linda wear this necklace all the time.
Happy sees some things but who can he tell? Happy's not trying to wind up with a slug in his back. There's some double dealing going on but Dave needs to figure out who's doing it.
His boss thinks that Dave is too close to the case. Are Lloyd and/or Linda setting Dave or each other up? Or is there another player in this game who is pulling everyone's strings?
There's some pretty impressive for the time extended car chases and helicopter chases, occasional cleavage, detective work, and pithy chatter.
Linda: Would you take me to the hotel?
Dave: {Dismissively} Whatever you want.
Linda: That isn't what you want though is it?
Dave: I can wait for what I want Linda.
This was an ok movie but nothing all that special. TRAILER
