Kim Darby as Barbara Blandish Scott Wilson as Slim Grissom Irene Dailey as Ma Grissom
Plot Summary
Barbara Blandish (played by Kim Darby), a wealthy socialite, is kidnapped by a group of petty criminals after a botched robbery. The gang is headed by Ma Grissom (played by Irene Dailey), a ruthless matriarch who controls her sons and associates with an iron fist. When the original kidnappers are murdered by the Grissom Gang, the Grissoms take control of Barbara’s ransom, holding her for a large sum.
Slim Grissom (played by Scott Wilson), Ma Grissom's mentally unstable and emotionally stunted son, becomes obsessed with Barbara and falls in love with her. Over the course of the captivity, Slim's feelings for Barbara grow disturbingly possessive. Barbara, desperate to survive, begins manipulating Slim by feigning affection towards him. The film’s tension mounts as Slim’s love for Barbara clashes with the gang’s violent tendencies and their plans to ransom her.
Meanwhile, the police and Barbara’s wealthy father launch a massive search effort to recover her. The film builds towards a bloody and tragic climax as the gang’s plans unravel, and Slim's delusions of love are shattered.
Personal History
Never heard of it.
Current Review
We're back on form with Moviedrome - a recommendation for an interesting film that I would never have previously discovered. We are obviously in the fag end of Bonnie and Clyde mania, with this one of several similar depression era crime sagas released at the time (most with Ma in the title). Yes, its B-Movie and at times comes across like a Keystone Cops comedy, but the longer the film developed, the more interest played out.
Its a kidnap and possibly, the first Hollywood film depicting (maybe reverse) Stockholm Syndrome. At first, I was annoyed by Miss Blandish's acceptance to her fate. Her boyfriend gunned down in front of her, snatched by one gang and then another and then subjected to at least one rape. Which brings us on to the simpleton Slim Grissom. Quite why the rest of the gang take the merciless piss out of him but are equally terrified of him is never really explained. By the end of the film, they appear to have a genuine relationship and the film ends with a doomed Butch Cassidy/Thelma and Louise style conclusion. But has she fallen in love with him, as much as he has with her?
Some real monsters here. Ma Grissom is frankly terrifying. Isn't she dearie. A lady that can throw a punch and keeps a cupboard full of tommy guns. But the millionaire Mr Blandish is possibly even more sinister. Musing on whether it would be better if his daughter was simply killed.
Stick the kettle on, Ma.
Some high comedy and a lot of focus on balls of sweat on everyone's brow and we are left with an intelligent, interesting, thrilling and at times, humourous film.
Stool Pigeon could have been simply shot, but in this film, lands in the urinal
I needed a Moviedrome success after Night of the Comet and one was delivered.
Quirky Fact
The original novel by James Hadley Chase was a huge best-seller in the UK during World War II, being particularly popular with serving members of the armed forces. Although it is set wholly in the United States and has only American characters, its author was British and had never been to America at the time the book was published. Also a film in 1948. The film was banned for its graphic content.
Quotes
Disappointingly, the Internet has come up with only one quote. Which is a shame, as the dialogue was excellent. Ma Grissom and her beleagured husband having the best lines. Not least when he hears her beating Miss Blandish and says something along the lines that she could have given Jack Dempsey a decent bout.
Sustenance
Martini. With an olive.
Future Inspiration
I used to read a lot of James Hadley Chase novels 35 years ago. They are short enough that I think I will give Orchids a go. And I might even see if I can watch the 1948 film.
This is the second Moviedrome entry for Robert Aldritch and I have inspiration from there for his other films.
AI giving The Collector by John Fowles as a similar read. And it transpires I read it in 2017.
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