The Road to Salina

A drifter in his 20s, having just walked 10 miles through the desert, comes upon a diner/filling station and helps himself to the water pump; the diner's proprietress, an older woman--possibly mad--welcomes the young man in believing him to be her long-lost son Rocky, a volatile kid who apparently left his mother and sister four years ago after a family row. Unpredictable bughouse melodrama, a French-Italian co-production shot in the Canary Islands, which lends to the story's netherworld atmosphere. Well-directed by Georges Lautner, who also co-adapted the screenplay with Jack Miller and Pascal Jardin, from the novel "Sur la Route de Salina" by Maurice Cury. Bernard Gerard's dramatic music cues contribute greatly to the queasily mounting suspense, although the celebrated rock music which blankets most of the film (by artists Christophe and Clinic) dates the movie more than anything else. A terrific performance by Rita Hayworth in the last act of her career is just one of the many surprises to be found here. Unusual and thrilling. *** from ****

Road to Salina is a sadly over looked film that has allot of what people can enjoy in a movie. Of course you have to be into the whole open idea about the film's theme of a suggestive incest. From the start there is a tension set in the film (thanks to Barbet Schroeder)that will hold your attention. Many people wish to see Rita Hayworth's last film. If you get a chance to watch it be sure you are in the mood (70's....) to give it time to build to the climax... you might be amused with the ending.

One of my favorite films of all time, maybe even my very fave. A drifter lands in a situation in the middle of nowhere, pretending to be a long-lost son in order to shack up for a while. But what seems simple gets really complicated for him, as he's faced with situations that make him get deeper involved than he ever intended. This film never bores and has many great twists and turns, as the viewer tries to determine just who knows what, and what everyone's motives may be. The cast is just great, and the final moments of the film where it all comes together are incredible. I always felt the photography, direction, and music gave this film a certain 'feel" that's hard to match. It shows the remoteness and desperation of the characters, to whom loneliness is the most dreaded disease. A DVD release would be a godsend.

Passions erupt in the lava beds of the Canary Islands.

This movie feels a little like those dubbed Spanish and Italian dramas of the 60's although it is entirely in English.

However as the story unfolds it defies you to stop watching and features a cast that is hard to take your eyes off.

When Jonas (Robert Walker Jr.) arrives at an isolated gas station on the road to Salina, the owner Mara (Rita Hayworth) greets him as Rocky, her long lost son. At first he thinks she is an empanadas short of a picnic, but when her daughter, Billie (Mimsy Farmer), and her neighbour, Warren (Ed Begley), also accept him as Rocky, he decides he is on to a good thing - especially as his newfound sister comes with 'benefits'. However the new Rocky finds the road to Salina a bit too rocky as he and 'sis' explore taboo territory amidst the spectacularly barren landscape of the island.

Rita Hayworth was an amazing screen presence throughout her career. She was about 50 here but still striking looking. Sadly she was already experiencing the problems that beset her at the end of her life. One wonders if acting the part of a woman with mental problems was such a good idea for someone who was really experiencing them.

A few years before, John Wayne and his crew thought she was rude and insufferable while working on "Circus World". Apparently "Road to Salina" was a happier experience and she got on well with the crew.

Still it was hard for anyone in the film to compete with Mimsy Farmer. Her Billie is about the most uninhibited performance in a mainstream movie until Nastassja Kinski prowled her way through 1982's "Cat People".

Eventually, Mimsy also shed her film career, emerging as a truly impressive sculptor. Maybe it shouldn't come as a surprise when an actor's creativity shows in other areas of the arts. Many actors have drawn, painted or sculpted well: Gary Cooper, Gail Russell, George Montgomery, Dennis Hopper and Lucy Liu among many others - even Marilyn Monroe.

"Road to Salina" used to turn up on TV in the 1970's, and seems to have a bit of a cult following these days. It's worth seeking out just for the stars alone.

Robert Walker Jr (Jonas) drifts his way to an isolated petrol station in the middle of nowhere run by Rita Hayworth (Mara). She's nuts and thinks he's her son. She also has a daughter Mimsy Farmer (Billie) who lives with her. Weirdo hanger-on Ed Begley (Warren) also acknowledges Walker Jr. as Hayworth's son. Just what is going on in this crazy place?

First of all, who is who in this film? Is Hayworth telling the truth? Is Farmer really her daughter? Why is everyone seemingly playing along with a lie? And what about the whole brother/sister love angle? Too weird.

The film is, unfortunately, very slow moving and Farmer is very unconvincing in her role. Her smile is just too plastic for words. I fell asleep during this film but so what. I bet nothing happened. Walker Jr. got a few clues as to who is telling the truth. Nobody cares. It's a boring film with a sick premise and is totally unrealistic and pretty confusing, especially at the beginning. Anyone normal would have just left, especially when an old friend turns up. That's it, leave. End of stupid film.