Unsavory Characters

Once again Richard W. Haines shows his talent in putting every dollar possible in a low budget film up on the screen to be seen. Haines as editor, producer and director puts this B&W/color entry as a tribute to the film noir classics of the forties. Outstanding photography, lighting, sound well beyond what you'd expect in a low budget. Some excellent perofrmances from supporting cast, but the leads best not give up their day jobs. I liked the female lead's attempt to equal a young Lauren Bacall and she generates some heat in scenes, but somehow I'm left with the taste of an amateur performance. The male leads holds up his end,but you have to be patient. His pace and timing are too slow. Good story, Haines adds the polish and its definitely worth your time.

The first third especially distinguishes this film with the excellent pastiche...if you don't know what that is, look it up. The lead character gave a great Bogey imitation and the gal seemed to me more Veronica Lake than Lauren Bacall. I also spotted a Raymond Burr type...that third was, to me, the best part of the movie, but the fade into the reality of the writer's life and the twists were likewise good. I've heard of Haines, but am largely unfamiliar with his work...this film will have me searching for more of his. I will say that the acting left a bit to be desired, but the direction was quite good and kept me hanging on throughout.