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The DVD was jarred loose from the spindle, so it got scratched a bit but plays. This is my gripe with U.S. DVDs. We don't need these crappy, nasty cases with the raspy center. FYI: I now reload them into slimmer cases and reduced my DVD bulk by over 60%. GILDA is a minor classic, with a parallel to WB's CASABLANCA but just plain terrible dialogue and an improbable conclusion. You watch it for Rita Hayworth, who commanded the film and every bit of oxygen in the thing. She can magic and trouble all rolled into one hot package, and she'll never be topped. Poor Glen Ford is a bum on the lows when he is rescued by a mysterious gentleman with a cane. Fors talks his way into the guy's graces, becomes his top henchman and all's great until Gilda enters the picture, and brings along a load'a baggage. The dialogue fails at delivering a convincing variation of character levels and sounds every bit of it. That she's a fallen woman didn't play well with censors, so the improbably dumb idea that Gilda just acts bad and gets ahead that way is all there is. But Hayworth provides the heat that is relentless. BTW, it isn't her doing the singing: That's a bit of Hollywood hustle. They wanted this shot and out fast, so there wasn't time to train Hayworth and a pro was dubbed in. Despite all of that, this was, and is, great American cinema that isn't perfect, but perfectly withstands time and any temptation to attempt a remake. Hayworth is just that iconic.Read full review
It is said that this movie made Glenn Ford a star; it moved him to the "A" bracket of male stars. But it skyrocketed Rita Hayworth 3 times further. Her performance as the title character is well known especially to the male portion of the population even to this day. You can even see portions of it in recent movies such as "The Shawshank Redemption." So what is this movie all about? Johnny Farrell (Glenn Ford) arrives in Buenos Aires during WWII or right after. He becomes the 2nd in charge of a local casino, owned by Ballin Mundsen (George Macready). The two become good friends, and Mundsen even gives Farrell the combination to the safe before he leaves on a trip. It is when he returns that the movie takes a volcanic turn. Mundsen brings Farrell to his bedroom and asks "Are you decent?", and we men blow a gasket when Gilda, the new wife of Mundsen, tosses that famous head of hair in the air. She seductively says "Of course, I am decent." There is a hint of surprise in both Farrell's and Gilda's faces, and we get the idea that they know each other. As the movie progresses, Gilda notoriously involves herself with other men, and Farrell is assigned by Mundsen to keep her straight. What an impossible job! And then in a subplot, Mundsen disappears because of a Nazi secret and is presumed dead. Farrell and Gilda marry so that they both have free use of the money left to her with him as executor and trustee. It is not a happy marriage, because Farrell wants to punish Gilda for all her wild activities and he does not trust her. (Remember, he has known her before.) The rest of the movie I won't tell here, but it is one blockbuster film noir! You will hear Rita Hayworth sing "Put the Blame on Mame" several times and finally get to see her strut her stuff on stage singing this song in full seductive costume. She also sings another song in a black satin costume in Spanish--just as sexy! This movie reminds me of the worshipped movie "Casablanca" in that both take place in bars during WWII and involve troubled women who drive the lead actor crazy. Both movies are known for their entertainment in the bar, and both have catapulted their stars to bigger fame. "Gilda" is the newer movie. Rita Hayworth as Gilda also reminds me of Kathleen Turner in "Body Heat." In the latter movie, we men are hooked the minute she rises from the outdoor audience in that hot Florida city where the wind is blowing her long brown hair just right. "Gilda" from the late 1940s has stood the test of time and is just as well known as "Body Heat" from the 1980s. And guess what? Neither one of them received any Academy Award nominations. Who would have guessed of their success?Read full review
I SAW "GILDA" FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 1949 WHEN COLUMBIA DID A RE-RELEASE. JUST COMING INTO PUBERTY AT THE TIME, NEEDLESS TO SAY, THE SIGHT OF RITA IN THAT STRAPLESS, BLACK GOWN SINGING "PUT THE BLAME ON MAME", (OK, SO SHE LIP SYNCED AND ANITA ELLIS DID THE REAL SINGING ... WHO CARES?) WAS A TOTAL TURN ON. RITA HAD JUST HAD A BABY, AND I THINK SHE TRULY WAS AT THE TOP OF HER BEAUTY HERE. BUT A MORE EXCITING DISCOVERY HAPPENS EACH TIME I WATCH THIS FILM ON DVD. (A BEAUTIFUL RESTORATION WAS DONE RECENTLY). THERE ARE SO MANY DIFFERENT HIDDEN THINGS ONE CAN SEE IN EACH VIEWING. WHAT WAS THAT RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN GLEN FORD AND GEORGE MCCREDY? A HINT OF A GAY RELATIONSHIP THERE. PLUS RITA SHOWING A GREAT PROMISE AS A DRAMATIC ACTRESS AFTER SO MANY SILLY MUSICALS. ANOTHER CHANCE TO SEE HER TALENT WAS IN "THE LADY FROM SHANHAI" BUT COLUNBIA WASTED HER MOST OF THE TIME.Read full review
Rita Hayworth exuded sexuality and danger as Gilda, the woman that every man lusted for and couldn't resist her intoxicating charms. The film's premise was centered around a love triangle. Gilda had a score to settle and coincidentally would up meet the ex-boyfriend who jilted her - who was now employed by her wealthy, older husband.The plot was convoluted and hard to follow and I didn't care for the feel-good ending. This was a film noir flick so I hoped it would remain dark until the end. But Hayworth doing those Latin dance numbers was worth the price of admission. Her iconic, legendary performance of "Put the Blame on Mame" was almost overkill. It comes towards the end of the movie and by that time we had seen her slinking, winking,and blinking her long lashes at every man within five feet of her. Sometimes, less is more, and it's best to let the viewer's imagination take over. But these are minor quibbles - "Gilda" is a riveting, jaw-dropping film that showcases the talents and charms of one the 20th century's greatest screen sirens.Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Great old movie in perfect condition !! I watched it wit my 91 year old father ... and he loved it !! Who wouldn't love Rita Hayworth in the role of Gilda !! Thank you !!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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