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The Big Bluff (1955 film)

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The Big Bluff
Theatrical release poster
Directed byW. Lee Wilder
Screenplay byFred Freiberger
Story byMindret Lord
Produced byW. Lee Wilder
StarringJohn Bromfield
Martha Vickers
Robert Hutton
CinematographyGordon Avil
Edited byTerry O. Morse
Music byManuel Compinsky
Production
company
Planet Filmplays
Distributed byUnited Artists
Release date
  • June 5, 1955 (1955-06-05) (United States)
Running time
71 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish

The Big Bluff is a 1955 American film noir directed by W. Lee Wilder and starring John Bromfield, Martha Vickers and Robert Hutton.[1]

Plot

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The suave Don Juan Ricardo "Rick" De Villa and his married lover Fritzi Darvel would like to take off together, but his lack of money prevents them from doing so. A chance encounter introduces Rick to the young but terminally ill socialite Valerie Bancroft, in whom Rick sees the solution to his predicament. Rick sweeps her off her feet and they soon marry, although Valerie's entourage is suspicious of him. Rick then proceeds to try to bring about Valerie's demise so he can inherit her wealth and live the good life with Fritzi.

Cast

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Reception

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Variety wrote: "Characters in this meller are mostly stock but the players turn in fair portrayals under producer Wilder's adequate direction. Bromfield is well cast as a wolf who lives by his wits. Miss Vickers is pert and suitably gullible as befits the role. Hutton is forthright as her personal physician. Miss Bowe is plenty sexy as the 'other woman' in the triangle while Miss Miller registers as an amateur gumshoe. Competent support is provided by Eddie Bee and Max Palmer, among others. Camerawork of Gordon Avil is good as is T. O. Morse's editing. An okay score, composed and conducted by Manuel Compinsky, helps sustain the mood of the yarn."[2]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "The Big Bluff". American Film Institute Catalog. Retrieved 16 February 2025.
  2. ^ "The Big Bluff". Variety. 199 (6): 20. 13 July 1955. ProQuest 1032364222.
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