Gilda Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A gambler gets a job, his boss gets a wife who’s his ex, tungsten is involved, and everyone’s strangely obsessed with each other… it’s basically a really intense soap opera in Argentina.

🍿 Gilda: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Johnny’s Arrival and Meeting Ballin

Johnny Farrell, a small-time gambler, arrives in Buenos Aires. He’s saved from a robbery by Ballin Mundson, a mysterious and wealthy casino owner. Recognizing a kindred spirit, Ballin hires Johnny to manage his casino, forging a close and somewhat ambiguous bond between them. Johnny quickly becomes Ballin’s trusted right-hand man.

The Arrival of Gilda

Ballin returns from a trip with a new wife, Gilda, played by Rita Hayworth. Johnny is shocked to discover that Gilda is his former lover. Their past relationship ended badly, leaving them with unresolved feelings of both love and hate. This creates immediate tension and jealousy within the trio.

A Web of Jealousy and Deceit

The relationship between Johnny and Gilda becomes a battleground of conflicting emotions. Gilda openly flirts with other men, provoking Johnny’s jealousy. Johnny, loyal to Ballin, tries to control Gilda’s behavior, leading to constant conflict and manipulation. Ballin, meanwhile, grows increasingly suspicious of their shared history.

Ballin’s Shady Dealings and Disappearance

Alongside the love triangle, Ballin is involved in a dangerous tungsten cartel with German businessmen. After a failed assassination attempt, Ballin seemingly dies in a plane crash, leaving Johnny in charge of the casino and Gilda as his wife. However, Johnny’s actions after Ballin’s supposed death reveal his true intentions.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Gilda (Rita Hayworth): A dazzling and enigmatic woman caught in a complex web of love, hate, and betrayal, whose past with Johnny resurfaces when she marries Ballin.
• Johnny Farrell (Glenn Ford): A small-time gambler who becomes Ballin Mundson’s right-hand man and finds himself entangled in a tumultuous relationship with Gilda, his former lover.
• Ballin Mundson (George Macready): The wealthy and sinister casino owner whose marriage to Gilda ignites a dangerous love triangle with Johnny, fueled by jealousy and hidden agendas.
• Det. Maurice Obregon (Joseph Calleia): The Argentine detective investigating Ballin’s shady dealings and the tungsten cartel, adding another layer of intrigue to the story.
• Uncle Pio (Steven Geray): The observant and seemingly harmless washroom attendant who plays a crucial role in the climax of the film.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Gilda: “If I was a ranch, they’d name me the Bar Nothing.” – Gilda says this line, dripping with sardonic humor, when asked about her past and relationships with men.
• Gilda: “You do hate me, don’t you, Johnny?” – Gilda poses this question to Johnny, acknowledging the intense, complex relationship between them.
• Johnny Farrell: “I don’t think you have any idea of how much.” – Johnny responds to Gilda’s question with this line, emphasizing the depth of his feelings, be it love or hate.
• Gilda: “Hate is a very exciting emotion. Haven’t you noticed?” – Gilda says this line, highlighting the passionate and volatile nature of her relationship with Johnny.
• Gilda: “I hate you so much, I think I’m going to die from it.” – Gilda declares this to Johnny, capturing the intensity and conflicting emotions that define their connection.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $2,800,000
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: $5,999

💥 Gilda Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so I just watched ‘Gilda,’ and wow, Rita Hayworth is mesmerizing! That entrance with the hair flip? Iconic! The story got a little twisted, especially with the tungsten thing. I felt so bad for Gilda – she’s clearly playing a role, but no one seems to see it. I’m still humming ‘Put the Blame on Mame.’ Glenn Ford was great as conflicted Johnny, the ending left me wanting more – overall, it was a whirlwind.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic film noir.”
  • “Viewers interested in complex character dynamics and love triangles.”
  • “Admirers of Rita Hayworth’s iconic performances.”
  • “Those who enjoy films with suspense, intrigue, and a touch of romance.”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Suggestive themes and innuendo.”
  • “Violence and brief scenes of physical altercations.”
  • “Themes of jealousy, manipulation, and controlling behavior.”
  • “Some viewers may find elements of misogyny.”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Rita Hayworth is at her most dazzling, turning up the heat as Gilda, a woman whose allure is both captivating and dangerous. While the plot meanders, Hayworth’s performance is magnetic, supported by strong turns from Ford and Macready.
• The New York Times: “A stylish film noir with a complex love triangle, ‘Gilda’ benefits from Rudolph Mate’s cinematography, enhancing the mood. However, the contrived plot and abrupt ending prevent it from reaching true classic status.
• Slant Magazine: “‘Gilda’ showcases Rita Hayworth’s star power, with memorable musical numbers. Despite a compelling narrative, the script suffers from over-plotting and uneven pacing. George Macready is memorable. Charles Vidor’s direction lends to mood.

Audience Reactions

Rita Hayworth’s unforgettable performance as Gilda is the highlight of the movie.: Viewers praise the chemistry between Hayworth and Ford, and the steamy love-hate dynamic is what kept people talking.

Hayworth’s rendition of “Put the Blame on Mame” is the most memorable and iconic scene.: Movie’s glamorous noir style, featuring expressive black and white cinematography, is widely respected.

Overall Consensus: ‘Gilda’ is remembered for Rita Hayworth’s performance and sensuality, despite a flawed plot and uneven pacing. Its status as a film noir classic is debated, but Hayworth’s performance remains iconic.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Rita Hayworth was pregnant during filming, which led to costume adjustments and creative camera angles to conceal her pregnancy.”
• “Anita Ellis dubbed Rita Hayworth’s singing voice in the film, including the iconic ‘Put the Blame on Mame’. Hayworth always wanted to sing her own songs, but Columbia Pictures deemed her voice not strong enough.”
• “The film’s choreography for ‘Put the Blame on Mame’ was inspired by a professional stripper, adding to the sensuality and controversy of the performance.”

🖥️ How to Watch Gilda?

Currently, ‘Gilda’ is not widely available on major subscription streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime Video. However, it may be available for rent or purchase on platforms such as Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube Movies, and Vudu. Check these services for current availability. You might also find it on classic movie streaming services or through cable on-demand options. Keep an eye on streaming service updates as availability can change.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Gilda, you might like these similar films:

• Casablanca (1942): Features a love triangle set against an exotic backdrop with themes of sacrifice and complicated relationships.
• The Big Sleep (1946): Similar film noir elements of mystery, intrigue, and a complex plot, though with less emphasis on romance.
• Double Indemnity (1944): Exemplifies classic film noir with a captivating femme fatale and a dangerous love affair.
• Basic Instinct (1992): A modern thriller featuring a seductive and manipulative femme fatale character that mirrors the allure and danger of Gilda.
• Chungking Express (1994): Features a sultry, mysterious femme fatale and explores themes of longing, waiting, and complicated relationships in a neon-lit Hong Kong.

🛒 Gilda Related Products

• Gilda (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]: This Criterion Collection edition features a pristine restoration of the film, plus insightful commentary from film historians and critics. A must-have for film buffs and collectors.
• Rita Hayworth: A Photographic Retrospective: A collection of stunning photographs capturing Rita Hayworth’s beauty and charisma throughout her career. Includes rare behind-the-scenes shots from ‘Gilda’.
• Gilda Movie Poster: A high-quality reprint of the original theatrical poster for ‘Gilda’, perfect for framing and displaying as a tribute to this film noir classic.
• Film Noir: The Dark Side of Hollywood: A comprehensive guide to the film noir genre, featuring in-depth analysis of ‘Gilda’ alongside other classic films, exploring its themes, style, and cultural impact.

🎧 Soundtrack

Gilda features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Put the Blame on Mame” – performed by Anita Ellis
• “Amado Mio” – performed by Anita Ellis

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Rita Hayworth in Gilda (1946) Movie Analysis | Sensuality & Charm of a Femme Fatale

Ever wondered what made Rita Hayworth’s Gilda so iconic? This video breaks down her style, her moves, and all the little things that made her the ultimate femme fatale. Seriously, you’ll be mesmerized!

Gilda Movie Rita Hayworth Says “Johnny”

Curious about how many times Rita Hayworth actually says ‘Johnny’ in Gilda? Someone went ahead and counted! I bet you can’t guess the exact number.

Top 25 Film Noir Movies

Love film noir? This video lists the top 25 films in the genre, and Gilda makes the cut! See where it ranks and discover other classics you might have missed. I found a couple I want to see now!

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