Poor lovesick white-trash Dove Linkhorn arrives in New Orleans searching for his former girlfriend Hallie Gerard, an artist who works in The Doll House brothel, whose madam Jo Courtney consi... Read allPoor lovesick white-trash Dove Linkhorn arrives in New Orleans searching for his former girlfriend Hallie Gerard, an artist who works in The Doll House brothel, whose madam Jo Courtney considers her girls to be her property.Poor lovesick white-trash Dove Linkhorn arrives in New Orleans searching for his former girlfriend Hallie Gerard, an artist who works in The Doll House brothel, whose madam Jo Courtney considers her girls to be her property.
- Nominated for 1 Oscar
- 1 nomination total
- Dockery
- (as Donald Barry)
- Lt. Omar Stroud
- (as Todd Anderson)
- Diner in Teresina's Cafe
- (uncredited)
- 2nd Van Driver
- (uncredited)
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaSeveral contemporary reviewers mentioned that, although the film was set in the 1930s, Capucine seemed to be wearing contemporary (1962) fashions. Director Edward Dmytryk stated that it was because she was the "protégé" (i.e., live-in girlfriend) of producer Charles K. Feldman, who decreed that, despite the film's 1930s setting, she would be dressed in the latest Pierre Cardin designs.
- GoofsThe jukebox in Teresina's diner is a Wurlitzer model 1015. The 1015 was a post-war model produced from 1946 through 1947 and would not have been seen in the Depression.
- Quotes
Preacher: Jezebel! That's right, I mean you! Now both of you sinners are hurrying past.
Dove Linkhorn: You got no business with us mister.
Preacher: Oh, sinners is my business. You and that hip-slinging daughter of Satan. You know there's the smell of sulfur and brimstone about you. The smell of hellfire.
Dove Linkhorn: Who ordained preacher?
Preacher: I am self-ordained son; I had the call.
Dove Linkhorn: You were called by the wrong voice mister.
Preacher: Lord strike this sinner down. Send a bolt down to smite and consume the blasphemer now!
Dove Linkhorn: He won't hear you. Cause you no friend of God or man - standing there hollering hate to the world. God is love. God is mercy and forgiveness. Try preaching that sometime Mr. Preacher. Teach people to forgive, not to crawl in fear. Teach people to love, not hate. preach the good book - preach the truth.
- Crazy creditsThe opening and closing credits are shown tracking a black cat as it prowls an urban landscape. The closing credits feature a newspaper reporting the Doll House residents' arrest and conviction.
- ConnectionsEdited into Bass on Titles (1982)
- SoundtracksWalk on the Wild Side
(uncredited)
Music by Elmer Bernstein
Lyrics by Mack David
Sung by Brook Benton
[Played as Hallie walks down to the first party shown at the Doll House]
Laurence Harvey is hitchhiking from Texas to New Orleans, and along the way he meets fellow drifter Jane Fonda. He's generous and idealistic; she lies, cheats, and steals. While Jane's goal is to have a good time and get ahead, Larry wants to find his beautiful and pure former lover Capucine and live happily ever after. What will happen when they reach Louisiana?
That's just the beginning of the plot, so if you're interested in finding out more, you'll just have to rent this dark drama. Only a few years after the demise of the Hays Code, there's an enormous amount of taboo subjects included in John Fante and Edmund Morris's script, including homosexuality, gritty violence, prostitution, and interracial romance. Although this is hardly a feel-good movie, it's very exciting to watch, especially when you keep in mind the time of its release. Not only is the script stimulating, but the acting is very good, especially since so much of the cast is in against-type roles. Jane Fonda is well-known now for playing in very likable roles, but in her second movie, she's a giant pill. Even though she's incredibly beautiful and has a stunning figure, I can't imagine anyone watching this film and rooting for her. Laurence Harvey is surprisingly convincing in his innocent character, and Capucine channels Joan Crawford in her conflicted performance. Barbara Stanwyck takes on a bold role, and in every scene she sizzles with simmering tension. And finally, rounding out the cast is Anne Baxter. She plays a Mexican proprietress of a gas station and diner, and for the first twenty minutes she was on screen, I didn't even recognize her.
Saul Bass chose a fantastic opening to the film: the camera follows a black cat stalking from the clean sidewalk through garbage-ridden streets. The cat walks in time to Elmer Bernstein's haunting and fitting theme, and it perfectly sets the tone for the rest of the film. I love Elmer Bernstein, and thankfully his title song—with lyrics by Mack David—was nominated for an Oscar that year. Trust me, his music will stick with you long after the film's end.
- HotToastyRag
- Oct 16, 2017
Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Languages
- Also known as
- Auf glühendem Pflaster
- Filming locations
- French Quarter, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA(Several street shots.)
- Production company
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
- Runtime1 hour 54 minutes
- Color
- Aspect ratio
- 1.85 : 1
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