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The Flame and the Arrow (1950)
Rate:
3
Viewed:
5/21
5/21:
The Flame and the Arrow is an Italian Robin Hood hokum film.
The best (read that as "only") part is Burt Lancaster. I don't think anyone can name me an A-list star who's
capable of rivaling his unbelievable athleticism. Several highlights are catching Nick Cravat in the
air, coming off a bough in a somersault fashion, and perching himself on a thirty-foot high pole.
Unfortunately, nothing else works. For a quarter of the time, I'm forced to watch Burt Lancaster's buddy make a fool out of
himself by using gestures. Yeah, Virginia Mayo is beautiful, but what a heavy load of makeup on her face. She even wears
it while imprisoned, having been shackled by the neck for days in the mountains.
The dialogue is okay but dated. It's the plot that doesn't flow, giving me a hard time to decide where
the heck the movie is going. Finally, it's about rescuing the boy, but why not grab him overnight? Dardo
can easily be a night prowler by using his trapeze skills. Instead, there's a lot of fluff in between.
Kirk Douglas may be a famous centenarian, but Norman Lloyd, who plays the trambadour in the film, lived to 106. He
passed away last November. On the other hand, Burt Lancaster and Nick Cravat used to work together in circus shows, hence
their perfect stunts in tandem.
All in all, Burt Lancaster is the only reason why The Flame and the Arrow is watchable.