Killer's Kiss
directed by Stanley Kubrick
directed by Stanley Kubrick
Killer's Kiss was Kubrick's second film. A taxi dancer was an entertainer-usually female-who would dance in clubs with a customer-usually male-for a set time which depended on the ticket(s) that the customer purchased. Taxi dancing wasn't prostitution, but it wasn't necessarily NOT prostitution either.
In both professions a woman would provide a man some paid physical and emotional intimacy. The dancer received a commission from the customer's tickets. Dancers could get/solicit tips from satisfied customers. In both taxi dancing and prostitution providers and clients could sometimes cross the lines of appropriate "business" behavior.
Taxi dancers were exploited or harassed by dance hall owners, police, or moral busybodies who were convinced that dancing led to more sinful behavior.
Taxi dancers declined in popularity after WW2. In Killer's Kiss the female character's occupation wasn't important. She could have been a waitress, secretary, store clerk, or any other worker in a field that is low pay, low status, primarily occupied by women, and subject to male domination or control.
Gloria Price (Irene Kane) is an older attractive blonde cynical taxi dancer. Gloria's tired of customers who don't float her boat. Gloria is also sick of fending off her older boss and club owner Vincent Rapallo (Frank Silvera).
Vincent cloaks his lust under the cover of love and avuncular solicitude; he doesn't think that no means no. Much like modern actors Dwayne Johnson and Vin Diesel, Silvera was a mixed man with African ancestry and features that allowed him to play more varied roles (here he's Italian) than most contemporaneous Black actors. Silvera's character isn't a racial or ethnic stereotype. He's just a jerk.
Davey Gordon (Jamie Smith) is a boxer who is not only a member of the "Bum of the Month" club but also its president. Davey is ready to change careers and return to Seattle to stay with relatives. Davey and Gloria are neighbors. Each has noticed the other and both like what they see.
One night, after another loss, Davey hears screams. Looking through his window Davey sees that Vincent is pawing at/assaulting Gloria. Rushing to her rescue, Davey scares off Vincent and impresses Gloria. Gloria lets Davey stay and watch over her as she sleeps (nothing happens-which further convinces her that he's a good guy).
Davey and Gloria share their sad tales and fall in love. They plan to collect monies owed and move to Seattle. Vincent is confused, angered, and hurt that a woman who rejected him says yes to a man with less status, money, and power.
The story was so-so but the cinematography and settings were beautiful. Pure Kubrick. This film was very short with no fat at 65 minutes running time. It works equally well as a noir and romance. Kubrick brings out the loneliness, alienation, and fear which haunt the three leads.
