Killer’s Kiss Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A boxer loses a fight, gains a girl, punches a mobster, and then battles mannequins…all to catch a train!

🍿 Killer’s Kiss: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to Davey and Gloria

The film opens with boxer Davey Gordon at Penn Station, reflecting on recent events. He recounts his life in New York City, highlighting his struggling boxing career and his quiet observation of Gloria Price, a taxi dancer living in the opposite apartment building. Both lead solitary lives, hinting at themes of loneliness and urban isolation.

Intervention and Romance

Davey witnesses Gloria being attacked by her possessive boss, Vincent Rapallo, the manager of the Pleasureland dance hall. He intervenes, rescuing Gloria and sparking a connection between them. This encounter quickly blossoms into a romance as they find solace in each other’s company, bonding over their shared struggles and desire for a better life.

Escape Plans and Violent Escalation

Deciding to leave their troubled lives behind, Davey and Gloria plan to move to Seattle to live on Davey’s uncle’s farm. However, their escape is complicated by Rapallo’s obsessive jealousy. Rapallo sends his thugs to deal with Davey, but a case of mistaken identity leads to the death of Davey’s manager, Albert. Gloria is then kidnapped, setting up a dangerous rescue mission.

Desperate Search and Mannequin Factory Showdown

Framed for Albert’s murder and desperate to save Gloria, Davey embarks on a relentless pursuit of Rapallo. This leads him to a desolate warehouse district where a final confrontation unfolds in a mannequin factory. A brutal fight ensues between Davey and Rapallo, resulting in Rapallo’s death amid the eerie backdrop of lifeless mannequins.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Davey Gordon (Jamie Smith): A washed-up boxer, nearing the end of his career, who falls in love with his neighbor and tries to protect her from her abusive boss.
• Gloria Price (Irene Kane): A taxi dancer, seeking escape from her manipulative employer, who finds unexpected love and a chance for a new life.
• Vinnie Rapallo (Frank Silvera): A jealous and possessive nightclub owner who uses violence and intimidation to control Gloria and exact revenge on those who cross him.
• Albert (Jerry Jarrett): Davey’s manager who gets mistakenly killed by Rapallo’s henchmen.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Vincent Rapallo: “Like the man said, ‘Can happiness buy money?’” – Rapallo says this with cynicism, highlighting his belief that money is more important than happiness.
• Davy Gordon: “(Narrating) Gloria and I were both lonely people.” – Davy reflects on the shared solitude that drew him and Gloria together amidst the vastness of New York City.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $75,000
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: $1,330

💥 Killer’s Kiss Reviews

Personal Review

I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this film. I’m a big Kubrick fan, but I hadn’t seen this one before. The way he used shadows and angles was really impressive, especially for such an early work. The boxing scenes felt so raw and real, and that mannequin factory fight? Totally bizarre and unforgettable. I’ll admit, the ending felt a little cheesy, but overall, it’s a great little film noir gem. I highly recommend it!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Stanley Kubrick”
  • “Film noir enthusiasts”
  • “Indie film aficionados”
  • “Those interested in early filmmaking techniques”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence”
  • “Suggestive themes”
  • “Kidnapping”

Professional Reviews

• Screen Rant: “A valuable early piece of work by Kubrick showcasing the talent that would go on to dominate the film world. The boxing match is brutally realistic, and the climax in the mannequin factory is oddly captivating. Despite budget constraints and some rough edges, it’s a must-see for film enthusiasts.
• The Film Stage: “While the narrative may be familiar, Kubrick’s stylistic choices elevate the film. The stark black-and-white cinematography captures the gritty realism of 1950s New York, making it a visually striking experience. The acting may be raw, but the overall effect is a compelling glimpse into Kubrick’s burgeoning genius.
• AMC: “This early film shows the power and raw emotion of a fighter in a brutal boxing match. Though the actors are not known, the plot grips you. The ending reveals a change that is well received. See what a master story teller reveals with a sparce approach to dialogue and directing.

Audience Reactions

The visually stunning cinematography and use of shadows create a uniquely atmospheric experience.: Viewers appreciate Kubrick’s stylish direction and the film’s ability to capture the gritty essence of 1950s New York.

The fight scene in the mannequin factory is a bizarre and memorable highlight.: Many fans find the climax, staged in a warehouse full of mannequins, both unsettling and effective.

Overall Consensus: While rough around the edges, ‘Killer’s Kiss’ offers a compelling glimpse into the early career of Stanley Kubrick, showcasing his visual flair and unique storytelling abilities within the film noir genre.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Stanley Kubrick served as writer, director, producer, cinematographer, and editor on ‘Killer’s Kiss’, showcasing his multifaceted talent and control over the production.”
• “Due to budget constraints and lack of permits, Kubrick employed guerrilla filmmaking tactics, using handheld cameras and shooting secretly from vehicles to capture authentic New York City locations.”
• “The film was shot silent and all the sound was added in post-production, which was a common practice for some European films at the time, but unusual for American films.”
• “Kubrick’s then-wife, Ruth Sobotka, who was a dancer, appears in the film as Iris, Gloria’s sister, showcasing the director’s personal connections influencing casting decisions.”

🖥️ How to Watch Killer’s Kiss?

As an older film, Killer’s Kiss is available through various streaming and purchase options. You can often find it on platforms like YouTube Movies & TV. Availability may vary depending on your region, so check local streaming services and online retailers such as Amazon Prime Video or Apple TV to see if it’s available for streaming or purchase.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Killer’s Kiss, you might like these similar films:

• The Killing (1956): Another early Stanley Kubrick film noir, showcasing his developing style and visual flair with a more complex heist plot.
• The Lady from Shanghai (1947): Orson Welles’ noir masterpiece features a similarly stylized climax in a hall of mirrors, reflecting the distorted reality of the characters.
• Fear and Desire (1953): It is another Stanley Kubrick film.
• Drive (2011): Features a similar blend of crime and romance with striking visuals and a focus on atmosphere over plot.
• Detour (1945): A low-budget film noir that captures a similar sense of fatalism and desperation with limited resources.

🛒 Killer’s Kiss Related Products

• Stanley Kubrick: A Life in Pictures (DVD): Explore the life and work of Stanley Kubrick through interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, and insights from collaborators. See where Killer’s Kiss plays its part.
• Film Noir: The Dark Side of Hollywood: A collection of classic film noir movies, including works by directors who influenced Kubrick and films similar in style to ‘Killer’s Kiss’.
• Mannequin Head with Stand: A blank canvas for creativity, the Mannequin Head with Stand is perfect for showcasing your unique style. Whether you’re a fashion designer, artist, or simply looking to add a touch of modern art to your space, this mannequin head is the perfect choice. Crafted from high-quality materials, it’s both durable and lightweight, making it easy to move and customize.
• Boxing Gloves: High-quality boxing gloves for training and sparring, featuring durable construction and comfortable padding. A tangible connection to Davey Gordon’s world.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Love Theme from the Song Once” – performed by Norman Gimbel and Arden E. Clar

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Kubrick Overview: Killer’s Kiss

Want to dive deeper into Kubrick’s early work? This video breaks down ‘Killer’s Kiss’ and shows how it fits into his filmography. Honestly, it made me appreciate the movie way more – you might feel the same!

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