Producer: Francis D. Lyon. Executive producer: Earle Lyon. Photographed in Eastman Color.
Not copyright by United Pictures. U.S. release through Commonwealth United Entertainment and American International Pictures: January 1970. No recorded New York opening. 99 minutes.
SYNOPSIS: Racetrack proprietor is murdered during a robbery. His estranged brother comes under suspicion.
NOTES: Final film of Glenda Farrell.
COMMENT: One of Hollywood's finest actresses, Glenda Farrell (Torchy Blane herself), won no awards. In fact, to my knowledge, she wasn't even nominated. In the 1960s, like so many of the industry's golden age figures, she could find work only in independent productions like this mildly suspenseful "Tiger by the Tail" (made in 1968). Mind you, her character isn't badly conceived, and she gives a good performance. As indeed do other veterans in the cast, led by Dean Jagger, John Dehner and Alan Hale (although it's Skip Homeier who walks away with the acting honors). Director Springsteen seems more comfortable with actors of this caliber. When they're on screen, the film becomes mildly interesting.
On the other hand, when people like George, Hedren and Charo dominate the action, the director is merely content to plod back and forth from boring close-up to boring close-up, TV style. Most of this material should have been left on the cutting-room floor. Fortunately, the action spots, helped by real location lensing, come across with a bit more zing.
Not copyright by United Pictures. U.S. release through Commonwealth United Entertainment and American International Pictures: January 1970. No recorded New York opening. 99 minutes.
SYNOPSIS: Racetrack proprietor is murdered during a robbery. His estranged brother comes under suspicion.
NOTES: Final film of Glenda Farrell.
COMMENT: One of Hollywood's finest actresses, Glenda Farrell (Torchy Blane herself), won no awards. In fact, to my knowledge, she wasn't even nominated. In the 1960s, like so many of the industry's golden age figures, she could find work only in independent productions like this mildly suspenseful "Tiger by the Tail" (made in 1968). Mind you, her character isn't badly conceived, and she gives a good performance. As indeed do other veterans in the cast, led by Dean Jagger, John Dehner and Alan Hale (although it's Skip Homeier who walks away with the acting honors). Director Springsteen seems more comfortable with actors of this caliber. When they're on screen, the film becomes mildly interesting.
On the other hand, when people like George, Hedren and Charo dominate the action, the director is merely content to plod back and forth from boring close-up to boring close-up, TV style. Most of this material should have been left on the cutting-room floor. Fortunately, the action spots, helped by real location lensing, come across with a bit more zing.