Gilda
"Highly Charged Story. Rita Has Never Been Sexier." -Leonard Maltin
The legendary Rita Hayworth sizzles with sensuality and magnetism as she sings "Put the Blame on Mame" and delivers a dazzling performance as the enticing temptress Gilda. In the story of Gilda, Johnny Farrell (Glenn Ford) goes to work for Balin Mundson (George Macready), the proprietor of an illegal gambling casino in a South American city, and quickly rises to become Mundson's "main man." All is well until Mundson returns from a trip with his new bride Gilda -- a woman from Johnny's past. Mundson, unaware of their previous love affair, assigns Farrell the job of keeping Gilda a faithful wife. Fraught with hatred, Gilda does her best to antagonize, intimidate, and instill jealousy in Farrell -- until circumstances allow him to get even.
Member Reviews
Gilda - Derekstar
Rita Hayworth plays the worst fake-guitar I've ever seen. Long fingernails, rings on, just strumming the hell out an A minor while the music does its own thing. Also, this movie has to be up there as one of the most unnecessary voice-overs of all time. There's Sunset Blvd., and then there's Gilda. I'm not sure which of the two is worse. But I mean, that being said, the the movie wasn't bad. Way too long, but still not bad. Also, bitches be crazy.Iconic Performance - Gregg
The story of a small time American gambler Johnny Farrell(Glenn Ford) who arrives in Buenos Aries. Here his wit and luck lands him a job running a casino for a powerful man Ballin Mundson (George Macready) with a lot of secrets. When Munson returns from a trip with his new young American wife Gilda (Rita Hayworth), it soon becomes apparent to both him and the audience that she and Johnny have a history together.
From there we have parallel story lines with Munson gradually revealing his other mysterious business interests to Johnny, and Gilda apparently embarking on a self destructive string of affairs. This leaves Johnny torn between a loyalty to Munson (which includes a healthy interest in his finances) and his love/hate relationship with Rita.
The story gets a little convoluted at times, somewhat like The Big Sleep but it’s not incomprehensible. This is also perhaps one of those films where the story is a somewhat less important aspect of the film.
The film contains one of the most iconic character introductions of all time with Gilda's head rising from below screen to toss her hair back and turn her face to the audience.
The film features what was at the time (at the very least) one of the sultriest performances by a major Hollywood actress. This was highlighted by the musical number "Put the Blame on Mame" which Gilda sings at the casino.
While Rita Hayworth's performances of Put the Blame on Mame was remarkable, it was not in fact Hayworth singing but instead an uncredited Anita Ellis who would sing for her in several other movies.Rita Hayworth - Triple Threat In "Gilda" - bwod
One of the most beautiful women to ever grace the silver screen, was 1940's star Rita Hayworth. Not only could she act, dance, and sing, she was also stunningly attractive. During World War 2, soldiers carried her photo with them, along with Betty Grable. They originated the "pin-up" girl.
In "Gilda", the story and actors work very well together, under the directing of Charles Vidor, to weave a film noir story that is gripping, right from the start. A taught suspense movie with some fine cabaret scenes makes "Gilda" a real classic, that still stands up today. Highly recommended, I give it two thumbs up.
Member Reviews
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Gilda - Derekstar
Rita Hayworth plays the worst fake-guitar I've ever seen. Long fingernails, rings on, just strumming the hell out an A minor while the music does its own thing. Also, this movie has to be up there as one of the most unnecessary voice-overs of all time. There's ...Iconic Performance - Gregg
The story of a small time American gambler Johnny Farrell(Glenn Ford) who arrives in Buenos Aries. Here his wit and luck lands him a job running a casino for a powerful man Ballin Mundson (George Macready) with a lot of secrets. When Munson returns from a ...Rita Hayworth - Triple Threat In "Gilda" - bwod
One of the most beautiful women to ever grace the silver screen, was 1940's star Rita Hayworth. Not only could she act, dance, and sing, she was also stunningly attractive. During World War 2, soldiers carried her photo with them, along with Betty Grable. ...