Tuesday, April 11, 2023

Movie review - "The Brothers Rico" (1957) *** (warning: spoilers)

 Phil Karlson noir about which I knew nothing which was the way to see it. Based on a George Simeneon story, which I haven't read, but it's a good basic plot: Richard Conte is a former mob accountant, now successful businessman, who is lured back into the Family by the fact two of his brothers work there. His former boss grew up with them so Conte assumes it will all be sweet, as the boss assumes - but they're actually out to kill one of the brothers.

James Darren is effective as the youngest brother, married to Kathryn Grant. Conte is okay. Paul Picerni is good as the middle brother. 

Larry Gates is very good as the mob boss - it's a scary organisation as the brothers won't talk and wouldn't ever talk but Gates doesn't care. Harry Bellaver as an associated crime boss is also superb.

The happy ending doesn't really work - two brothers are killed, really Conte should die too and his mother not Conte should kill Gates.

No comments: