Other than trying to figure out why Rita Hayworth was falling for such a weak
mama's boy like Gig Young in the first place The Story On Page One is one of her
best roles showing our World War II era sex goddess can really act in a good role
with proper motivation.
The Story On Page One has Rita Hayworth still beautiful, but in a drab role as a
housewife married to cop Alfred Ryder who's a real caveman alpha male type
and abusive. I guess Young's sensitivity is what attracted her, he's a 180 degree different from Ryder.
In any event we know what happens right away. Ryder catches Young and Hayworth together at their home. Ryder being a cop has a licensed weapon.
He and Young struggle for the gun and it goes off killing Ryder.
She needs a lawyer and as it turns out Hayworth's mom Katherine Squire knows a good one who's kind of gone to seed. Anthony Franciosa who I think
is one of the most underrated talents ever is hired.
I'm not sure charges would have been brought had Ryder not been a cop. And
Young and Hayworth do some stupid things not helping their case any. In
their stupidity they actually convince Franciosa that they're innocent. Now if
he can sell a jury which is the crux of the film.
Soome other nice performances of note are Robert Burton as the District
Attorney and Mildred Dunnock as Young's mother. She has a scene with
Hayworth telling her to keep her hands off her darling boy that's another
highlight. One of my favorite of players Hugh Griffith plays the judge and
Griffith is not given all that much to do.
The film is adapted from a Clifford Odets play and directed by Odets. He
sure brought out a great performance in Rita Hayworth.
