Wrangler

A better than routine, if not exceptional, noir crime drama, with O'Brien excellent in the lead, and good casting throughout. Opening and closing textural comments convey the sense that this is more of a sensational expose of syndicate control of horse-race betting (a major West coast institution if there ever was one), produced "under threat". That remains to be seen. What is undeniable is that a well-paced tale of one man's ambition is engagingly portrayed. Of particular interest are the wonderful filming locations in the L.A. area -- rich streetscapes--full of marvelous period detail, "Modern" architecture as seen in circular drive-ins, open plan houses, groovy bars ands nightclubs, and some flavor of Palm Springs weekending. With the evolution of O'Brien's character from a telephone repairman into a major crime so well reflected in the improvements in his dress, along with the sartorial variety among the leads, one gets a nice sense of personal style in this period. Worth a look.

While strictly B fare, this modest little film zips right along. Elliot is excellent, Hayes has lines that don't insult your intelligence and Iris Meredith is easy on the eyes.

Starts out well, with a good production and photography then slides downhill, becoming tedious and overly violent. As much (if not more) zoom lens work as the average Asian Indian movie. It's as if a good film was underway when the makers decided to change horses and make it more like the Italian westerns.