russellalancampbell

I love the authenticity of the film as much as the perfect pacing of the interconnecting elements. There are no "movie stars" and, although, of course, Shaw and Mathau might be considered stars, they are anything but conventional ones.

The voices of NYC are all there in their wonderful diversity. There's the faces of ordinary New Yorkers. There is drama laced with wry humour that is another hallmark of NYC. I love the script - not a wasted word. Love the unsaturated look of the film and the dishevelled look of the average working men and women as the day's drama unfolds.

This film has it all - thrills, humour, suspense and a great sense of time and place.

The story isn't anything special but Marilyn's musical performances are brilliant and her chemistry with Bob Michum was as real as anything she ever did. As Mitchum once said, Marilyn was often asked to burlesque her sexuality. In this film, she was as naturally charming as she was ever presented on screen.

The film is beautifully shot in stunning locations and has some exciting sequences. There is also a good supporting cast. Rettig does well and Rory Calhoun is very believable as the selfish fortune seeker.

I love rivers and river stories especially when introduced by a song like "The River of No Return" - very strikingly delivered by Mitchum over the opening credits and as Marilyn's farewell to the saloon life.

It is not a classic but well worth watching.

All of them are fun but this one has the chemistry provided by Landis and Blondell. Their witty banter, not to mention their beauty, lights up the screen. Of course, the marvellously dim Mrs Topper as played by Bilie Burke is another part of the fun. Roland Young is again perfect as the respectable and oft times quietly exasperated Cosmo Topper. Yes, there is a comically cowardly "Yes, Boss" black chauffeur included. This was almost de rigueur for the times but is not acceptable today. I can assure you that I feel it is best to leave such depictions behind us. However, I do enjoy a comedy/drama big old house murder mystery and there is none better that this one.