On G List of Movie Reviews

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The Glass Wall (1953)

Rate: 5
Viewed: 2/24

GlWall
2/24: The Glass Wall is an okay noir picture starring Vittorio Gassman and Gloria Grahame.

An Italian version of Montgomery Clift who makes his screen debut in an American film, Vittorio Gassman has a good start but loses it the rest of the way by vacillating between fair and silly. When he's with Gloria Grahame, they are good together, but unfortunately, it doesn't last long.

Instead, I'm shown lots of rear projection shots of New York City, especially in Times Square. It cheapens the film a great deal. Then, there's Vittorio Gassman who's either making out okay, falling over, or going to sleep. The last ten minutes make no sense. Why is everybody chasing him hard when it's prudent to send only Gloria Grahame? It'll end the matter rather easily.

I understand what Paul Kuban is feeling. It's a survivor mentality that he's saddled with. Paul has to survive by doing everything as he can, having been conditioned by it for so long. No wonder why he needed the sleep in the worst way possible. The city is sure busy at 3 o'clock in the morning with many places open. By the way, the title refers to the United Nations headquarters building.

All in all, had the shots of New York City been 100% real, The Glass Wall would translate to a better viewing experience.