- Director: Andrew L. Stone
- AMG Rating:
- Genre: Action
- Movie Type: Action Thriller
- Themes: Treacherous Spouses
- Main Cast: Doris Day, Louis Jourdan, Barry Sullivan, Frank Lovejoy, John Gallaudet
- Release Year: 1956
- Country: US
- Run Time: 99 minutes
- MPAA Rating: NR
Plot
Julie is most enjoyable if one doesn't take it too seriously. Doris Day plays Julie Benton, whose off-the-coop musician husband Lyle Benton (Louis Jourdan) confesses that he in fact killed Julie's first husband. She immediately recognizes that he is so possessive of her that he would sooner rub her out than lose her altogether, and leaves Lyle, seeking protection under the wing of a country club acquaintance, Cliff Henderson (Barry Sullivan).The San Francisco police deduce that Julie is in danger from Lyle, and begin to close in on the poor woman to protect her, but she inadvertently misses them. In the film's thrilling final sequence, Julie has returned to the stewardess job she once held - without realizing that Lyle has boarded the plane sans detection, planning to murder out most of the crew and take her out next. Silent film star Mae Marsh, a "regular" in the films of director Andrew L. Stone, appears in the closing scenes as an hysterical passenger. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Review
There's nothing really believable in Julie, one of Doris Day's lesser "damsel in distress" flicks, but it's an undemanding and fairly enjoyable way to spend an hour and a half. The screenplay -- its Academy Award nomination notwithstanding -- is the main culprit, featuring one incredible segment after another, climaxing with the pre-Airport 1975 gimmick of a stewardess piloting a plane via radio instructions (with her eyes closed at some points). It's ridiculous, and far from riveting, but somehow most viewers will let the silly plot carry them along for the ride, and maybe even enjoy a few laughs at the film's expense. Day's performance is a bit overwrought, but then that's exactly what the script calls for. She gives the role her all, and while it's not great acting, it's surprisingly engaging. Similarly, Louis Jourdan plays the maniac with all the clichés intact, but it works in context. Anyone expecting a really good thriller from Julie will be disappointed, but if one treats it lightly, they may have a bit of fun. ~ Craig Butler, All Movie GuideCast
- Doris Day - Julie Benton
- Louis Jourdan - Lyle Benton
- Barry Sullivan - Cliff Henderson
- Frank Lovejoy - Detective Capt. Pringle
- John Gallaudet - Detective Cole
