Drifter Jonas (a fine and engaging performance by Robert Walker Jr.) stops off at a gas station/restaurant en route to Salina. Owner Mara (an excellent earthy portrayal by Rita Hayworth) mistakes Jonas for her missing son Rocky (Marc Porel, shown only in haunting flashbacks). Jonas decides to stick around and becomes involved with Rocky's free-spirited sister Billie (Mimsy Farmer at her most enticing and mesmerizing). But the puzzling circumstances pertaining to Rocky's disappearance threaten to put the kibosh on everything.
Writer/director Georges Lautner relates the gripping story at a measured pace, ably crafts an intriguing aura of mystery and unease, and expertly maintains a tense brooding atmosphere with a strong underlying feeling of despair and desperation born out of loneliness. Moreover, the way the tangled web of lies and deceit spun by several people ultimately culminates in a shattering tragic climax gives this picture a considerable amount of emotional punch.
Ed Begley lends terrific support as friendly neighbor Warren. Sophie Hardy also does well in a small role as sultry barmaid Linda. As a yummy substantial plus, the delectable Mimsy bares her lovely wares with pleasing abandon and frequency. Further enhanced by beautiful widescreen cinematography by Maurice Fellous and a spot-on funky-melodic psychedelic rock soundtrack, this unjustly neglected little gem overall rates as a cinematic detour that's well worth taking.
Writer/director Georges Lautner relates the gripping story at a measured pace, ably crafts an intriguing aura of mystery and unease, and expertly maintains a tense brooding atmosphere with a strong underlying feeling of despair and desperation born out of loneliness. Moreover, the way the tangled web of lies and deceit spun by several people ultimately culminates in a shattering tragic climax gives this picture a considerable amount of emotional punch.
Ed Begley lends terrific support as friendly neighbor Warren. Sophie Hardy also does well in a small role as sultry barmaid Linda. As a yummy substantial plus, the delectable Mimsy bares her lovely wares with pleasing abandon and frequency. Further enhanced by beautiful widescreen cinematography by Maurice Fellous and a spot-on funky-melodic psychedelic rock soundtrack, this unjustly neglected little gem overall rates as a cinematic detour that's well worth taking.