Pretty Maids All in a Row

Buy This Item Pretty Maids All in a Row by MGM (Warner)  Available from Amazon  $19.98  on 8-26-2008     A wonderfully goofy dark comedy with Hudson giving a terrific performance. Interesting to note that not only does the cast have Jimmy Doohan and William Campbell, it was also produced by Gene Roddenberry! Reader Reviews Three great performances (Rock, Angie, Telly) keep this sexually charged ship afloat, plus some terrific period cinematography. Rock Hudson especially must be commended for not "throwing away" his part in this not exactly career enhancing deal. Vadim's lens closes in on Rock whose expressions sometimes have to carry the sometimes loose and limp script - though it is a notable as strong effort by Gene Roddenberry, with very credible and colorful dialogue. "Tiger" McDrew is the High School Football Coach/Hippie Philosopher whose teaching methodology is a bit more (pause) "hands on" than some even in the heart of the Woodstock Era. He believes in being extra demonstrative in his communication, let's say, and encourages his favorite pupil, his issued-up but good looking understudy, to pursue special help with Angie Dickenson as the recently divorced but somewhat "inexperienced" [apparent] Permanent Substitute Teacher, Mrs. Smith, whose sexuality appears to be limited to short skirts in class and a sense of satisfaction from knowing she is a stone head-turner in them. It's not clear if McDrew manipulates both parties so as to get her experienced enough for him to accomplish his speedy little interludes in his office with the least amount of romance. Whatever the director and writer were thinking, the mystery actually helps the plotline. Keenan Wynn plays a "Campus Cop" [job title vague] in a role highly reminiscent of his great work in Dr. Strangelove. His by-the-book [of which he never got through the introduction and parts of the index] analysis of the crime scenes at the school is the perfect counterbalance to Police Inspector Telly Savalas' relaxed and rational approach. Some major lost opportunities in the script for some big laughs and one wierd production flaw. Though McDrew always engages his "Testing" red light then locks his door while he...counsels, he never draws those blinds. Okay, if he knows the word is out and h might as well welcome the use of binoculars, what's with the false warning light and lock?

Pretty Maids All in a Row Available from Amazon Price: $19.98 Updated on 8-26-2008.

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