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Road House

Play trailer Poster for Road House 1948 1h 35m Crime Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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86% Tomatometer 14 Reviews 69% Popcornmeter 250+ Ratings
At a seedy nightclub and bowling alley near the Canadian border, owner Jefty Robbins (Richard Widmark) is in love with his new cabaret singer, Lily Stevens (Ida Lupino), who only has eyes for Jefty's best friend, bar manager Pete Morgan (Cornel Wilde). Although he tries to keep his distance, Pete soon falls for Lily's charms. But when the couple tries to run away together, Jefty and jealous cashier Susie Smith (Celeste Holm) conspire to frame them for a crime they didn't commit.

Critics Reviews

View All (14) Critics Reviews
Dave Kehr Chicago Reader This lurid 1948 melodrama by Jean Negulesco has built up a considerable underground reputation. Apr 30, 2012 Full Review Variety Staff Variety Framed within a realistically intimate roadhouse setting, yarn reconstructs the triangle with an arrestingly psychotic twist supplied by Richard Widmark. Mar 26, 2009 Full Review A.H. Weiler New York Times List first the fact that Widmark, though he stands in danger of being typed as the screen's prime psychotic, does an excellent job (complete with chilling laughter). Rated: 4/5 Aug 8, 2006 Full Review Yasser Medina Cinefilia A minor work of film noir, lacking the pulse to sustain its predictable melodrama about jealousy, blackmail and murder. [Full review in Spanish] Rated: 6/10 Jul 15, 2023 Full Review Nell Dodson Russell Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder Richard Widmark being nasty, Ida Lupino being nice on the eyes and Cornel Wilde -- WOW! Jan 14, 2022 Full Review Elsa Branden Photoplay Whatever else is wrong with this movie, there's plenty of action. Rated: 0/3 Aug 20, 2021 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

View All (29) audience reviews
Jean-Michel C A perfect jewel. A work of art. Acting at its finest, at its best, filming is impeccable, what else can you ask for? As for pretending that Lupino can't sing, so much for those who pretend they can listen. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 03/30/24 Full Review nick s Colourful characters and a curious, entertaining drama. The lead actors do a great job. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 11/03/23 Full Review william d Widmark and Lupino are terrific in this above average, if a bit contrived, noir. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review jason m The cast is in top form and the production design is a knockout. That's a place I'd really love to go on vacay! Rated 4 out of 5 stars 03/30/23 Full Review Audience Member Widmark with his psychotic Kiss Of Death laugh. Lupino is brilliant and tough as nails. Wilde, Macho and level headed throughout. Celeste Holm playing her usual congenial self. Outstanding Film Noir! Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 01/19/23 Full Review andy f A breathtaking and dazzling film, with amazing performances from Ida Lupino and a very young Richard Widmark. Lupino is just amazing as the cigarette smoking, bourbon swilling moody chanteuse. The film is beautifully set and the plot develops beautifully towards a thrilling climax. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 03/30/23 Full Review Read all reviews
Road House

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Movie Info

Synopsis At a seedy nightclub and bowling alley near the Canadian border, owner Jefty Robbins (Richard Widmark) is in love with his new cabaret singer, Lily Stevens (Ida Lupino), who only has eyes for Jefty's best friend, bar manager Pete Morgan (Cornel Wilde). Although he tries to keep his distance, Pete soon falls for Lily's charms. But when the couple tries to run away together, Jefty and jealous cashier Susie Smith (Celeste Holm) conspire to frame them for a crime they didn't commit.
Director
Jean Negulesco
Producer
Edward Chodorov
Genre
Crime, Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (DVD)
Sep 2, 2008
Runtime
1h 35m