Forbidden

Although you recognize the set-up from "Gilda", it's the same story but in Macao instead of Buenos Aires, with Lyle Bettger for a night club manager without political ambitions instead of the megalomanisc James MacReady, with no Rita Hayworth but instead the much more ordinary Joanne Dru, and with a very young Tony Curtis chasing her to the ends of the earth, you will not be disappointed by this variation. The story is good and almost better than "Gilda", but the major plus of this interesting film is Victor Sen Yung as the pianist factotum, who knows everything and everyone and is a genius. In general, the dialog is thoroughly intelligent and enjoyable in this film. There is not much cinematography, the settings are rather cheap like in a low budget B feature, but nevertheless it is worth watching - especially for the very exotic story with its consistently tightening suspense.

Saw 'Forbidden' as part of my Tony Curtis completest quest after being recommended many of his films here in the recommended for you section. It was not something that was intended initially but actually it has proven to be a generally worthwhile experience, even with a couple of missteps.

While there were and are better actors about and he didn't always look comfortable in his early films, Curtis was always immensely likeable and had a charming charisma with many good and more performances under his belt. The cover was also appetising and the story, while unoriginal, seemed really interesting. 'Forbidden' turned out to be a very good film, a good representation of Curtis in one of his better early roles and films.

'Forbidden's' somewhat unoriginal premise is obvious in some predictable plotting in spots.

Also, the Macau setting is more studio back-lot than authentic. Victor Sen Yung is a little wooden.

However, 'Forbidden' is stylishly and atmospherically shot and does look very pleasing. The music is also a good fit and works well as an energetic and ominous score on its own, the beautiful "You Belong to Me" (have found myself randomly singing that a lot around my flat recently on an irrelevant side note) is great to listen to, Virginia Rees sings it well.

The direction is more than competent while 'Forbidden' is snappily scripted and with some surprising twists, suspense and intrigue outweighing thankfully the derivative nature. The pace is always efficient, nothing's dull here. Curtis is a very amiable and charismatic presence, and he is well supported by Joanne Dru at her loveliest (their chemistry is charmingly amorous too) and a menacing yet subdued (not a bad thing) Lyle Bettger.

In summary, fun and well done film. 8/10 Bethany Cox

Watching this movie, of course we think of those many adventure drama films where exotic atmosphere is mixed up with femmes fatales, tough villains, romance and so on...GILDA, MACAO, CALCUTTA, TANGIERS, ISTAMBUL. THE BIG STEAL...So this time, nothing is surprising, nothing, it is only a Rudolp Maté's film and showing Tony Curtis, still in his early career and in his one of first interesting roles, besides the costume swashbucklers which he used us so much since several years, also for the Universal Studio. Here, he as a real character and not a stupid one. Good worth film noir for gem diggers. Rather hard to purchase.

Tony Curtis goes to Macao. He's after ex-lover Joanne Dru, now a gangster's widow with some information damaging to the current head of the Philadelphia rackets in a safety deposit box. Curtis is being paid by the racketeers to bring her back to the US. When Curtis saves Lyle Bettger from a gun man, Bettger hires him to help out at his gambling place... and then finds out that Miss Dru is the fiancee of Lyle Bettger.

It's a pretty good role for Curtis, but pretty standard stuff for the other two leads. On the other hand, there's a nice role for Victor Sen Yung as the gambling hall's piano player; he seems unusually well connected as the depths of Bettger's actual business is detailed. William Daniel's camerawork is largely standard until the big finish -- although that may be because he established the standard 'MGM gloss' look in the 1920s. Even so, he had a lot to contend with. Director Rudolph Maté had been nominated for five cinematography Oscars himself.

Forbidden stars Tony Curtis and Joanne Dru, with an appearance from Marvin Miller (The Millionaire). The plot is a bit convoluted, but you have the usual romantic complications, the good guys and bad guys, and the inevitable Hollywood ending.

Tony Curtis is a bit raw here in one of his early roles; some of his lines are not really all that convincing, however, we overlook these problems because he is an easy protagonist to root for. Joanne Dru, on the ohter hand, is not all that appealing in her character, but since Curtis wants her, we give her a pass. Curtis pursues Dru for a fee paid by a gangster, so he is not lily white clean, but we find out why later in the film. A watchable late nite film.