The Naked Kiss

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ronald h In spite of its sleazy title, Sam Fuller's "The Naked Kiss" is an exceptional work, and it's a must for mid-20th century film noir fans. Actually, the title comes from a line in the movie, and it's really an apt metaphor. Fuller, a Hollywood maverick, was unafraid to explore subject matter that the big studios wouldn't touch. But his films weren't just sensational; they were loaded with social criticism and insights into human nature. Constance Towers plays Kelly, a prostitute who quotes Goethe and Byron and appreciates Beethoven (Yes, suspend your disbelief). In the amazing opening scene, which is en media res, she is shown beating her pimp, taking the money he owes her, and then pulling off her wig to expose a completely bald head. We discover later what happened to her hair. Two years later, with her blonde hair grown back, she shows up in the small town of Grantville, planning to ply her trade, Her first customer is the sleazy cop Griff (Anthony Eisley), who partakes of her services but warns her not to work in his town. He recommends that she go across the river and get a job in the brothel there. Kelly has a pivotal moment after her encounter with Griff and takes a job as an aide in a home for handicapped kids. The doctors, staff, and kids all love her. But no Sam Fuller movie is going to stop there. Kelly falls in love with J.L. Grant (Michael Dante), the wealthy grandson of the town's founder, who is handsome and cultured. But it's all veneer. Kelly soon discovers that he's involved in some very distasteful activities. This is probably Fuller's weirdest film. The budget may be low and the acting, aside from Towers', may not be top notch, but the camera work is artistic and the story (Fuller also wrote and produced) is intriguing. The final act is really something. The conclusion happens rather quickly, in contrast to the long buildup. But that's a minor quibble. Enjoy this when you're in the mood for genuine noir with some actual depth and a meaningful message. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 03/30/23 Full Review Luca D Very good soundtrack. All of the women look stunning. The plot is really well driven and keeps you on the edge of your seat. Beautifully shot and a good thing that it's b&w for higher quality. I would definitely watch again and recommend to noir fans. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 11/04/21 Full Review Audience Member yuck 5 break points in DVD made it through #2 then jumped to the last reel just to wind it up I'm sure I missed some important plot lines but this grade B pot boiler seemed like an F to me Rated 0.5/5 Stars •  Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars 02/05/23 Full Review Audience Member Yes, it's a Sam Fuller movie - bad acting, cheesy dialog, thin characters, choppy scene cuts, part schmatlz, And yet. It's open with interesting camera work, where we see only a prostitute attacking her trick with her shoes. Toward the end, it is redeemed with taking on a very taboo subject for the time - child molestation with justice being served in the end. Rated 2.5/5 Stars •  Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 02/17/23 Full Review Audience Member Its a hard hitting story but poorly executed. Confusing scenes, ham-fisted scripts. Okay but not great. Rated 2/5 Stars •  Rated 2 out of 5 stars 02/27/23 Full Review Audience Member Weird little bit of film noir from 1964, unlike anything else from that period....... Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/21/23 Full Review Read all reviews

The Naked Kiss

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