Heller in Pink Tights

Director: George Cukor George Cukor

Overview

A satirical Western about The Great Healy Dramatic and Concert Company, a traveling road show trying desperately to survive and beset by financial problems. The main actress (Sophia Loren) in the troupe has a knack for getting into trouble. Losing in a poker game doesn't help her or the show. She must depend on the manager (Anthony Quinn) for help. Film is based on a novel by Louis L'Amour and directed by George Cukor.

Product Details

Release Date:	09/22/2020
UPC:	0032429347008
Original Release:	1960
Rating:	NR
Source:	ALLIED VAUGHN
Region Code:	1
Presentation:	[Wide Screen]
Sound:	[Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround]
Language:	English
Time:	1:40:00
Sales rank:	7,020

Cast & Crew

Performance Credits

Sophia Loren	Angela Rossini
Anthony Quinn	Thomas 'Tom' Healy
Margaret O'Brien	Della
Steve Forrest	Mabry
Eileen Heckart	Lorna
Edmund Lowe	Doc
Ramon Novarro	De Leon
George Mathews	Pierce
Frank Cordell	Theodore
Cactus Mack	William
Edward Binns	Sheriff McClain
Warren Wade	Hodges
Frank Silvera	Santis
Cal Bolder	Goober
Robert Palmer	McAllister
Howard McNear	Photographer
Taggart Casey	1st Gunslinger
Leo V. Matranga	2nd Gunslinger
Geraldine Wall	Madam
Amanda Randolph	Maid
David Armstrong	Achilles
Edward Sky	Actor
Alfred Tonkel	Calchas
Bobby Darin	Servant
Bryn Davis	Venus
Cathy Cox	Juno
Iron Eyes Cody	Indian
Eddie Little Sky	Indian
Rodd Redwing	Indian
Chief Yowlachie	Indian
Bernard Nedell	Acting Double for Edmund Lowe

Technical Credits

George Cukor	Director
Marcello Girosi	Producer
Carlo Ponti	Producer

Editorial Reviews

Heller in Pink Tights is clearly in love with the kind of ramshackle entertainments that used to dot the Old West (and, in various forms, entered rural masses well into the 20th century). As a love letter to this entertainment, and the shady but lovable characters that were part and parcel of it, Heller succeeds; but as a cohesive piece of filmmaking, it falls far short of the mark. There's a raffishness about Heller that is quite attractive, but it's never developed into anything. As a matter of fact, far too little of Heller develops into anything. Oh, there's a plot alright, but it's a rather slapdash affair, made up of pieces of this and a little bit of that, with some horses and guns and a rather exciting Indian attack thrown in. In Walter Bernstein and Dudley Nichols' screenplay, none of this really adds up to much, unfortunately. Better films have been made from material not too dissimilar, but they were blessed with crackerjack characterizations, engaging dialogue, and strong, clear direction. All of this is lacking in Heller. George Cukor's direction is very hit-or-miss, adding to the jumbled feel of Heller. Sophia Loren and Anthony Quinn are not perfect casting for their parts, but they bring undeniable star power and charisma to their roles, and this goes a long way. Even better are supporting players Eileen Heckart, Edmund Lowe, and Ramon Novarro, with former child star Margaret O'Brien turning in a very good performance that makes one wish she had encountered better luck as an adult actress. Heller in Pink Tights is full of color and atmosphere, and its cast makes it enjoyable; for those in an undemanding mood, it's adequate entertainment.