Stone Cold Dead

Within the dark wet streets of any city, there lurks the criminal thoughts of any of it's equally dark inhabitants. Some are good, others bad and still others are downright lethal and often lead to murder. This black 1970's murder, mystery was originally written by Hugh Garner and directed for the screen by George Mendeluk. It's the story of Decective Sgt Boyd (Richard Crenna) who despite his years of police service to the Dept. cannot fathom the endless violence which continues night after night. In this latest crime spree, there seems to be a night-time sniper who is killing ladies of the night or prostitutes for no apparent reason. In addition, there are suspicious characters like a local drug lord named Julius Kurtz (Paul Williams) who also has a stable of Whores and secret ties to the police. Personal involvements to several women in the stable makes the case difficult for Boyd as he is interested in helping them. The movie is slow to develop and the audience is thrown more than it needs when it comes to trying to pinpointing the killer. Still with Williams and Crenna playing off one another the film makes for interesting viewing. Recommended to mystery buffs and fans of both stars. ****

First of all, I want to say that Paul Williams is an excellent, talented composer. He was a great behind-the-scenes professional in the late 20th century in television and film. I didn't even mind seeing his funny face on the Muppet Show. However, chubby late 70s flat-faced Paul playing an elegant, delusional pimp is almost laugh out loud funny.

There's literally a drawn out scene of a much younger and beautiful young woman being tossed out of his limo into the snow, before returning to perform explicit adult activities a la soft porn. If that wasn't bad enough, the melodramatic strains of Children of the Night playing in the background irresistibly pushed my hand to hit the stop button.

Stone Cold Dead (1979)

** (out of 4)

Richard Crenna plays Sgt. Boyd who is out trying to solve a group of bizarre killings where a sniper is taking out women involved in the sex business. As he grows closer to the killer it's very possible that someone he has a connection with might end up on the hit list.

If you're a fan of 70s cinema then you probably know about 42nd Street and the various types of sleazy movies that would play there. Snipers, pimps, dirty cops, hookers and drug use were just some of the subjects that would be covered in those types of films and all of those elements are on display in STONE COLD DEAD but sadly the film tries to be too mainstream and it just doesn't work.

STONE COLD DEAD has a lot flaws including the fact that it's just never brave enough to cross the line into a darker territory. The film plays around with various dark elements but it never crosses the line to where the film would be more memorable. It really comes across as a watered down version of something you'd see on 42nd Street and it's anyone's guess why they didn't try to push the envelope further.

What really kills the film though is the fact that there's really not any suspense and none of the characters are all that detailed or interesting. Crenna gives a good performance as he always does and he certainly helps carry the film. Both Paul Williams and Linda Sorensen are good in their supporting parts as well. I will also say that the reveal of the killer is another plus as I certainly didn't see it coming.

STONE COLD DEAD certainly isn't a bad movie but at the same time there's just nothing here to separate it from the dozens of other films out there like it.

It's a rare thing for a Canadian film to be released on the Blu-ray format, and it's even rarer when it's an older movie such as this one. If you do see this movie on the Blu-ray format (as I did), you will see that unlike a lot of other Canadian movies of its era, it's pretty well made on what wasn't a lavish budget. There is some genuine atmosphere here, coming from well chosen creepy locations, skillful lighting, and clever camera angles. The acting is also pretty good, not just with Crenna and Williams, but also by the unknowns in the cast. As a bonus, there is also some good music on display.

Unfortunately, despite these good ingredients, the movie stumbles enough in a key area that as a result it doesn't work. And that is with the script. The narrative of the movie is frequently at a muddle. The story seems to be starting at chapter two or three instead of right at the beginning. There is also frequently juggling between many characters and various plot threads, so sometimes there is a long time before one particular plot thread is returned to. Another problem with the story is that it's pretty easy to figure out who the "Sin Sniper" is long before the "surprise" reveal.

While this isn't a terrible movie, it's too muddled to be as effective as it wants to be. I would only recommend the movie to (very) forgiving people who are fans of grindhouse B movies from this era.

(1979) Stone Cold Dead THRILLER/ MYSTERY

Co-produced, written and directed by George Mendeluk adapting the novel "Sin Sniper" by Hugh Garner that has Sgt. Boyd (Richard Crenna) along with his partner, Sgt Tony Antonio (Chuck Shamata) on the case of the "Sin Sniper" who appear to target prostitutes. For the "Sin Sniper" would first take pictures of it's victims before it chooses to shoot at them. Sgt Boyd believes it's the pimp, Julie Kurtz (Paul Williams), at the same time converses with other prostitutes around the area, including hostess, Monica Page (Linda Sorensen) who has a well groomed daughter, Olivia (Alberta Watson) a photog student who is having an affair with her instructor, Teddy Mann (Frank Moore).

There is also another subplot that involves an undercover cop, Sandy MacAuley (Belinda Montgomery) stumbling upon a shady deal going on with Julie Kurtz and another cop, as well as on hostess, Monica Page. The term "stone cold dead" is the slang used to call victims of the Sin Sniper.