Jogada Decisiva

Never heard of this wonderful movie till American Movie Classics (bless 'em) showed it recently. What a cast!! Jason Robards, Charles Bickford, Joanne Woodward, Henry Fonda, Paul Ford, and Burgess Meredith - how could a movie with such a blockbuster array have received such little attention? (This was the seemingly indestructible Bickford's very last movie appearance, and he looks as robustly granitic here as he did 30 years prior.) Everyone involved puts in fine work; Meredith especially shines as the catankerous yet wistful old doctor. The production values are extremely high; the movie is great-looking, although, truth to tell, the director's background as primarily a television director does show through just a bit. However this entertaining suspense comedy does keep one involved, though I must admit I saw the surprise ending coming. Don't miss this overlooked little gem.

This top-notch comedy western is both entertaining and unforgettable. Its stellar cast of veteran American actors present a magnificent example of ensemble acting. Burgess Meredith in particular turns in a virtuoso performance. Henry Fonda, Joanne Woodward and Jason Robards anchor the film with delightful portrayals.

The surprise plot twist at the end does jar the emotions a little, but is in keeping with the fun and mischievous spirit of the film. Definitely more stylish and funnier than "The Sting". Action, adventure, comedy, suspense ----- this well-crafted tale has it all. It deserves the term "classic".

Well, this movie certainly beats the pants off watching THE CINCINNATI KID (the only other poker movie I can think of off the top of my head). It is a very unusual film set in the old West about a family passing through town and the head of the family who gets suckered into playing a high-stakes poker game and seems on the verge of losing everything. And, at the crucial moment when he is on the edge of either winning or going bust, he becomes too ill to continue and his wife, by default, is brought in to take his place.

The movie, despite the BRIEF overview I gave, is far deeper and is a super-intelligently written film. There are many wonderful twists and turns, but if I let it out of the bag, it would ruin it for you. Just give the movie a chance--it's a buried treasure.

With Henry Fonda, Joanne Woodward, Charles Bickford, Kevin McCarthy, Burgess Meredith and Paul Ford how can a movie fail? Certainly not this little jewel handsomely directed by Fielder Cook, normally a director of the small screen. But from the very beginning the film announces that it is going to be a lot of fun. Five of the wealthiest men in the territory drop whatever they are doing and gather once a year for a marathon poker game in a winner takes all stake. Into this rides Henry Fonda and his wife and son, on the way to Texas to make a new start. He is an on the wagon ex gambler, who instantly falls off when he finds out about the game and is suckered in by the meanest group of tightfisted sarcastic card players in the west. Just when he finally gets the hand he has been waiting for he has a heart attack, and his wife has to take over for him. What will happen and what hand is she holding? If you want to find out you just have to see this great little film for yourself.

When I caught this one on TV, was I sorry I'd missed it during its theatrical release. The whole cast is in top form, especially Paul Ford giving one of his funniest performances. Joanne Woodward never looked lovelier while running the gamut from great distress to the wittiest of high spirits. Too bad her hubby, Paul Newman, couldn't have joined the poker players at the table where most of the action takes place. The production values are quite good but the standout is the ever-reliable David Raksin's lively score...his music for the opening title sequence and at the film's close is terrific! If you haven't seen this one yet, you're in for a treat.