1962's Idea Of Hot
A Tentative Walk On The Wild Side
Still in-place edicts of a crumbling Code are
upheld in this cautious walk on what 1962 could call a Wild Side. Recalled
better for its music score by Elmer Bernstein and some grabber ad art, Walk is
otherwise a slow amble, the naughty stuff of poster promise almost entirely
withheld. The PCA file for this one must have been thick, however, as battling
over content is reflected by clumsy edits and quicker than seemly fades pulling
us away from raunch. Super-agent Charles K. Feldman produced to benefit
of his client list which made up much of pic personnel, Wild Side personifying conflict of interest among H'wood folk wearing multiple
hats to score more of cash. The movie was a hit because folks figured it would
be dirty, but mostly they'd be bored upon paying ways in. ABC had to fight
censor battles over again when they Sunday night preemed Wild Side on 2/4/68,
ratings a saunter for the pic being black-and-white in a season fueled by new
set-owners wanting to see programs in color, for instance Bonanza playing
opposition NBC during the feature's first broadcast hour.
Apart from Saul Bass, and a decent poster, this is slim pickin's for sensation seekers, or star gazers, even; rendered less than tame by an overly effete Laurence Harvey - playing an All-American stud and participating in some of the least convincing love scenes ever performed with, of all people Capucine, beautiful, doomed and remote. I watched for Stanwyck, professional as ever, but clearly disheartened, and the whole film has more of a fifties 'feel' - down to the airtight sets.
ReplyDeleteWarren Beatty was originally to be the star of WHAT'S NEW, PUSSYCAT? (it was how he would answer the phone), but ultimately walked away after revisions that displeased him, such as Woody Allen working on the script and expanding his role...along with Charles Feldman insisting on casting Capucine.
ReplyDeletePaul D.