This strange archetypical gangster film derives much of its success from its unexpected setting and its performers. Nick Devlin (Lee Marvin, THE BIG RED ONE) is a top enforcer for the Chicago mob who is sent on a mission to Kansas City to collect $500,000 from a former associate named Mary Ann (Gene Hackman, MISSISSIPPI BURNING), who runs a meat packing plant that fronts for his drug and prostitution trade. Previous, bagmen have either failed or have been turned into hot dogs by Mary Ann’s oafish brother Weenie (Gregory Walcott, NORMA RAE).
Nick and Mary Ann have a past, which certainly involved Mary Ann’s beautiful wife Clarabelle (Angel Tompkins, THE BEES). During Nick’s first showdown with Mary Ann, the enforcer rescues drugged up orphan Poppy (Sissy Spacek, CARRIE) from being displayed naked in a pen for gawking men.
There is definitely a male fantasy thing going on in the film. But the story and characters are so simple that it works on a comic book level. The thriller moments are wonderful. They’re enhanced by the setting which is not your typical grimy cityscape where gangster gun each other down in dilapidated factories, but the bright, colorful outdoors of the Mid-West in county fairs, wheat fields and sunflower patches. Because Mary Ann so owns this town, one never knows who will be gunning at Nick next.
Marvin’s direct attitude and low voice fit the character well. Hackman gives a manic performance that makes Mary Ann unbalanced and seemingly more dangerous. Sissy Spacek is really just window dressing, but she is quite stunning to look at in this film. The film is short and direct with grand characterization. It’s a pulpy delight.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
