Road House (1948)

Broadway trained actor Richard Widmark became an instant sensation in his first film performance (Kiss of Death) as the giggling psychopath who pushed a helpless old lady down the stairs in her wheelchair. In Road House, Widmark's second film, he played a north woods tavern owner who became involved in a highly charged love triangle with noir femme Ida Lupino and Cornel Wilde. Like his performance in Kiss of Death and several other noir greats, he also happened to be crazy as a loon.

Road House stars tough-talking gal Ida Lupino as sultry torch singer Lily Stevens. Chicago singer Lily has been hired to come to the deer country up north to add a little class to Jefty's (Widmark's) road house. The roadhouse is a combination cocktail lounge and bowling alley, quite classy for a tavern and complete with obligatory animal heads. The manager is Pete (Cornel Wilde) and the cashier is Susie (Celeste Holm). Up until this point Susie has not had much competition and her jealousy shows when asked how she likes the "new equipment" (Lupino), Susie says "She's okay if you like the sound of gravel."

Lupino plays her role with an understated sexy toughness. She sings a number of be-bop songs accompanied by her piano, which are quite fresh and enjoyable with her unique slightly off-key treatment. Particularly noteworthy is the blues standard One More For the Road, which might set your video player on fire, or at least singe it a little.

Lily immediately sets her sights on Pete but he is having none of it. Besides, she's Jefty's girl - so Jefty thinks. Finally, spoiled rich Jefty goes away on an extended hunting trip and Lily gets Pete to take her out to the lake. To her surprise, Susie is also coming along. Unabashed when told they are also going swimming, Lily creates a stunning bikini out of a couple of scarves she had along; remember, this is 1948.

When Jefty gets back, in addition to a moose he has a marriage license all made out in his and Lily's names. When Lily finds out she gives him the cold shoulder and Jefty fires Pete. Jefty goes a step further and frames Pete for stealing the week's receipts out of the safe. Pete gets convicted but Jefty works a deal with the judge to release Pete to his custody to serve out his probation in lieu of hard time. Of course, Lily cannot leave because she loves Pete and the story becomes increasingly scary as it moves toward its surprise climax.

Richard Widmark gets high marks for playing spoiled rich-kid Jefty with a very unsympathetic personality - starting as a boring nerd and moving to a full blown psychopath. Cornell Wilde, as Pete is believable as the well built stud that attracts both women like moths to a flame. Ida Lupino, as Lily, really brings down the house with her central role as the tough and classy dame who captures the hearts of both men. Celeste Holm, as Susie, is really upstaged by the alluring Lupino but does a good job just the same.

Director Jean Negulesco did a great job of putting the story on film with film noir style lighting and deep focus camera by cinematographer Joseph LaShelle, who did Laura and other big jobs for Otto Preminger. Widmark was usually shown in stark shadow and light while Lupino was almost always shown in flattering lighting, emphasizing her slightly shopworn glamor. Director Negulesco also kept the pacing of the story in step with editing by James B. Clark. Original music by Cyril Mockridge was well paced to the action and dovetailed beautifully with the several numbers performed by Ida Lupino.

For fans of film noir, crime, or love triangles, Road House is hard to beat. Women will particularly like this film for its depiction of a strong woman in Lily. Richard Widmark and Ida Lupino fans will also love this film.

Other Widmark noirs you may want to see -

The Street With No Name
Panic in the Streets

Recommended:
Yes

Viewing Format: DVD
Video Occasion: Fit for Friday Evening