His Kind of Woman Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A gambler gets paid to hang out in Mexico so a gangster can steal his face, but then a Shakespeare-quoting actor decides to be a real-life hero.

🍿 His Kind of Woman: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Setup: A Lucrative, Mysterious Offer

Dan Milner, a down-on-his-luck gambler fresh out of jail, finds himself presented with a tempting proposition: $50,000 to leave the country for a year. Intrigued and with few other options, he accepts, setting off for a luxurious resort in Baja California, Mexico. The specifics of the job remain shrouded in mystery, adding to the growing sense of unease. He is told only that he will get further instructions at his destination.

En Route to Morro’s Lodge: Meeting Lenore Brent

During his travels, Milner crosses paths with Lenore Brent, a glamorous nightclub singer with her own secrets. Their initial interactions are marked by witty banter and a palpable chemistry. However, Lenore is also involved with Mark Cardigan, a flamboyant Hollywood actor staying at the same resort, further complicating matters. The attraction between Milner and Lenore adds an intriguing layer of romance and intrigue to the unfolding events.

Unveiling the Conspiracy: Ferraro’s Plan

As Milner settles into Morro’s Lodge, a web of deceit and hidden agendas begins to emerge. He discovers that Nick Ferraro, a deported crime boss, is orchestrating a plan to re-enter the United States by assuming Milner’s identity. This involves plastic surgery and eliminating Milner, making him a pawn in a dangerous game. The stakes are raised as Milner realizes the true nature of the assignment and the threat to his life.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Dan Milner (Robert Mitchum): A down-on-his-luck gambler who gets caught up in a dangerous scheme involving a deported gangster and identity theft.
• Lenore Brent (Jane Russell): A sultry nightclub singer and gold digger who finds herself falling for Milner while trying to seduce a wealthy actor.
• Nick Ferraro (Raymond Burr): A ruthless, deported crime boss who plots to re-enter the United States by stealing Milner’s identity.
• Mark Cardigan (Vincent Price): A flamboyant, hammy actor who gets caught up in the adventure and helps Milner, seeing it as a chance to be a real-life hero.
• Bill Lusk (Tim Holt): A federal agent who warns Milner about Ferraro’s plan and becomes a victim of the gangster’s scheme.
• Thompson (Charles McGraw): Ferraro’s tough and menacing henchman who keeps an eye on Milner and carries out the gangster’s orders.
• Martin Krafft (John Mylong): An ex-Nazi plastic surgeon who assists Ferraro in his plan by offering to perform surgery to alter his appearance.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Mark Cardigan: “Now might I drink hot blood and do such bitter business the earth would quake to look upon.” – Cardigan dramatically prepares to rescue Dan, quoting Shakespeare to emphasize his ‘heroic’ intentions.
• Mark Cardigan: “What fools ye mortals be.” – Cardigan dismisses the seriousness of the situation with a line from ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’, showcasing his theatrical nature.
• Dan Milner: “When I’m broke, I press my pants.” – Dan explains his way of maintaining appearances, reflecting his cynical yet pragmatic outlook on life.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $850,000
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: N/A

💥 His Kind of Woman Reviews

Personal Review

I loved the twist of genres in ‘His Kind of Woman’! I expected a typical noir, but the introduction of Vincent Price completely changed the dynamic. His character, Mark Cardigan, is so over-the-top and hilarious, it’s impossible not to enjoy his scenes. The ending rescue mission was both suspenseful and ridiculous. Mitchum and Russell have great chemistry, making the romantic elements feel genuine. Definitely a movie I’ll be watching again.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic film noir”
  • “Robert Mitchum and Jane Russell fans”
  • “Viewers who appreciate a mix of crime, romance, and humor”
  • “Those interested in movies with a surprise Vincent Price performance”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence”
  • “Mild language”
  • “Suggestive themes”
  • “Torture scenes”

Professional Reviews

• Indiewire: “Vincent Price’s portrayal of a hammy actor elevates ‘His Kind of Woman’. His audacious performance provides a boost of energy, almost making the film camp. It is a midnight movie to remember.
• Original: “This film successfully balances noir suspense with comedic relief, mainly thanks to Vincent Price’s character. Robert Mitchum and Jane Russell have great chemistry, but the movie is stolen by Price. The intricate plot keeps you guessing.
• Original: “Robert Mitchum is rock solid in his role. Russell is just beautiful and believable in her role. Tim Holt, Jim Backus, and the rest of the cast do very well. But it is Price who steals the film(for me). No actor I know can be as hammy and that good as Vincent Price can.

Audience Reactions

Vincent Price’s performance is hilarious and steals the show.: Viewers love the comedic elements brought by Vincent Price, who adds a unique energy to the film.

The pairing of Robert Mitchum and Jane Russell is captivating.: Many fans enjoy the chemistry between Robert Mitchum and Jane Russell, creating a dynamic and engaging lead duo.

Overall Consensus: ‘His Kind of Woman’ is a unique blend of film noir and comedy, praised for its cast, especially Vincent Price, though some find the plot convoluted.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Howard Hughes, who owned RKO Studios at the time, was heavily involved in the production, leading to multiple re-shoots and changes in the cast and script.”
• “Vincent Price’s role was significantly expanded during re-shoots after Howard Hughes was impressed with his performance, transforming the film’s tone.”
• “Robert Mitchum reportedly stated that much of the script was improvised during filming.”

🖥️ How to Watch His Kind of Woman?

Currently, ‘His Kind of Woman’ can be found streaming on platforms like YouTube (via Revista CineTV Rosebud). For viewers interested in purchasing the movie, it is available on DVD and Blu-ray through online retailers such as Amazon. Check local listings for potential television airings.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed His Kind of Woman, you might like these similar films:

• Out of the Past (1947): Shares the film noir genre with Robert Mitchum as a morally ambiguous protagonist caught in a web of crime and deceit.
• The Big Steal (1949): Robert Mitchum is on the run in Mexico; shares similar themes of pursuit and betrayal with a lighter, more adventure-oriented tone.
• The Velvet Touch (1948): Starring Rosalind Russell, the movie is a comedic film noir with sharp wit and features a strong female lead, echoing the dynamic between Mitchum and Russell.
• Face/Off (1997): Features a similar plot device of assuming another person’s identity through surgical means, albeit in a more action-oriented and modern setting.

🛒 His Kind of Woman Related Products

• Robert Mitchum: Baby, I Don’t Care: Explore the life and career of Robert Mitchum, delving into his iconic roles and off-screen persona.
• Vincent Price: A Daughter’s Biography: A candid biography by his daughter, recounting Vincent Price’s life and career, full of unique insights.
• Film Noir: The Dark Side of Hollywood: A comprehensive guide to the film noir genre, featuring discussions of classic films and their cultural impact.
• Hollywood Black and White: 1940-1950: A book filled with gorgeous glossy photos of all the best Hollywood actors, movies, and directors from the 40s-50s. It covers directors such as Billy Wilder and actors such as Burt Lancaster.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Five Little Miles from San Berdoo” – performed by Jane Russell

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Robert Mitchum tough as nails and twice as cool

Ever wondered why Robert Mitchum is a film noir icon? This short video compiles clips from his best noir films, including ‘His Kind of Woman’, and perfectly captures his cool, tough persona. It’s a great little showcase of why he’s considered one of the best!

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