Main Cast: Sophia Loren, Anthony Quinn, Eileen Heckart, Ramon Novarro, Margaret O'Brien, Steve Forrest
Release Year: 1960
Country: US
Run Time: 100 minutes
Plot
The talents of the cast and director George Cukor (A Star Is Born, My Fair Lady), combine to bring off this otherwise routine Western based on a Louis L'Amour novel. Sophia Loren is Angela Rossini, a woman who seems to create the situations she gets into, and Anthony Quinn is the strong, silent but soft-hearted Tom Healy. Rather than playing it straight, Cukor opts for satire and effective comedy in taking "The Great Healy Dramatic and Concert Co.," with its two-wagon loads of thespians and their gear, and turning it into a fun romp. As the troupe carries on with their performances heading through Wyoming, they are fighting for their economic survival and, as often as not, running like the devil from the law. There is a likeable villain in the piece, Mabry (Steve Forrest), a zany woman who has "sacrificed" her own dubious stage career for that of her daughter (Eileen Heckart), a so-called Shakespearean actor (Edmund Love), a banker with menacing undertones (Ramon Novarro), and a really hysterical Indian attack. ~ Eleanor Mannikka, All Movie Guide
Review
Heller in Pink Tights is clearly in love with the kind of ramshackle entertainments that used to dot the Old West (and, in various forms, entered rural masses well into the 20th century). As a love letter to this entertainment, and the shady but lovable characters that were part and parcel of it, Heller succeeds; but as a cohesive piece of filmmaking, it falls far short of the mark. There's a raffishness about Heller that is quite attractive, but it's never developed into anything. As a matter of fact, far too little of Heller develops into anything. Oh, there's a plot alright, but it's a rather slapdash affair, made up of pieces of this and a little bit of that, with some horses and guns and a rather exciting Indian attack thrown in. In Walter Bernstein and Dudley Nichols' screenplay, none of this really adds up to much, unfortunately. Better films have been made from material not too dissimilar, but they were blessed with crackerjack characterizations, engaging dialogue, and strong, clear direction. All of this is lacking in Heller. George Cukor's direction is very hit-or-miss, adding to the jumbled feel of Heller. Sophia Loren and Anthony Quinn are not perfect casting for their parts, but they bring undeniable star power and charisma to their roles, and this goes a long way. Even better are supporting players Eileen Heckart, Edmund Lowe, and Ramon Novarro, with former child star Margaret O'Brien turning in a very good performance that makes one wish she had encountered better luck as an adult actress. Heller in Pink Tights is full of color and atmosphere, and its cast makes it enjoyable; for those in an undemanding mood, it's adequate entertainment. ~ Craig Butler, All Movie Guide
Edmund Lowe - Manfred "Doc" Montague; George Mathews - Sam Pierce; Edward Binns - Sheriff McClain; Warren Wade - Hodges; Frank Silvera - Santis; Robert Palmer - McAllister; Cal Bolder - Goober; Taggart Casey - 1st Gunslinger; Howard McNear - Photographer; Iron Eyes Cody; Bobby Darin - Servant; Edward Little Sky; Bernard Nedell - Acting Double for Edmund Lowe; Amanda Randolph - Maid; Rodd Redwing; Alfred Tonkel - Calchas; Geraldine Wall - Madam; Chief Yowlachie - Indian; Frank Cordell - Theodore; Cactus Mack - William; David Armstrong - Achilles
Credit
Eugene Allen - Art Director, Hal Pereira - Art Director, Gene Allen - Art Director, Lewis E. Ciannelli - Associate Producer, Val Raset - Choreography, Edith Head - Costume Designer, Charles C. Coleman, Jr. - First Assistant Director, George Cukor - Director, Howard A. Smith - Editor, Daniele Amfitheatrof - Composer (Music Score), Harold Lipstein - Cinematographer, Marcello Girosi - Producer, Carlo Ponti - Producer, Sam Comer - Set Designer, Grace Gregory - Set Designer, Walter Bernstein - Screenwriter, Dudley Nichols - Screenwriter, Louis L'Amour - Book Author
