Sinatra the Killer

When a viewer is accustomed to seeing an actor in one role, it’s sometimes jarring to watch a movie where that actor plays a drastically different character.

Suddnely gives the viewer that feeling twice, but still turns out to be a well written, acted and produced film.

One of my favorite movies is Dr. Strangelove, directed by Stanley Kubrick. In the film General Jack D. Ripper becomes obsessed with the safety of his bodily fluids at throws the nation into a nuclear war with its enemies. Playing such an iconic part, it’s surprising that Sterling Hayden didn’t achieve wide spread fame. He did, however, turn in a strong performance in Suddenly as the do-right copper who tries to save the day.

If that wasn’t enough, the assassin in the film is played by Frank Sinatra. And no matter how many times one watches this or The Man with the Golden Arm, it’s difficult to disassociate him from performing music. Here though, he turns in a rather compelling performance punctuated by two separate glaring spells where he looks, sadistically into the camera. There aren’t too many films or actors that would be capable of pulling off such a move, but here, Old Blue Eyes pulls if off with aplomb.

The plot, considering that the film was shot in 1954, becomes surprisingly relevant six years after its completion. Sinatra, in the film, has been contracted to assassinate the President, who is scheduled to roll through town, via train, at five o’clock.

Sinatra and his associate find the prime home in town to keep watch – and that’s where the film really begins.

The entire movei manages to work with the subplot of a widow, who lives in the invaded home with her son and father-in-law, who is anti-gun. The summation of the film makes an interesting point, but one that is explained to the widow repeatedly through out the film.

Perhaps the most notable aspect of this feature is the fact that the majority of the action takes place in a single room. Only the exposition finds the police chief in town to consult Secret Service men. But being relegated to a single room strengthens the film overall.

Because its scenic limitations, viewers need to be enthralled by the actors, their talent and more over, by the script. But all of this makes one think that Suddenly could be pulled off as a play – highly recommended.