Easygoing private detective Tony Rome (ably played with winning weary grace by Frank Sinatra) gets a seemingly simple job of driving drunken rich girl Diana Pines (an appealing portrayal by the cute Sue Lyon) back home after she's found passed out in a cheap hotel. Complications ensue when Diana's diamond pin is reported missing and Rome has to go into action to find it.
Director Gordon Douglas relates the engrossing and enjoyable story at a steady pace, offers a vivid evocation of the sunny Miami setting, maintains a fairly gritty tone throughout, and stages the occasional exciting outbursts of action with flair and skill. Richard Breen's sharp script presents a colorful array of low-life characters along with several neat twists and turns. Sinatra effortlessly carries the picture with his laid-back charisma and delivers his snappy quips with deliciously dry gusto. The ace supporting cast rates as another substantial asset: Richard Conte as Rome's loyal buddy Lt. Dave Santini, Jill St. John as sultry and enticing dame Ann Archer, Simon Oakland as powerful wealthy businessman Rudy Kosterman, Gena Rowlands as Rudy's deceitful wife Rita, Lloyd Bochner as slimy drug dealer Vic Rood, Robert J. Wilke as seedy hotel detective Ralph Turpin, and Shecky Greene as wormy limping hood Catleg. Popping up in nifty bits are Rocky Graziano as washed-up former boxer Packy and Tiffany Bolling in her film debut as a cocktail waitress who gets roughed-up by some toughs. Joseph F. Biroc's vibrant widescreen cinematography provides a pleasing polished look. Billy May's groovy score hits the right-on swinging spot. A really fun slice of 60's crime noir.
Director Gordon Douglas relates the engrossing and enjoyable story at a steady pace, offers a vivid evocation of the sunny Miami setting, maintains a fairly gritty tone throughout, and stages the occasional exciting outbursts of action with flair and skill. Richard Breen's sharp script presents a colorful array of low-life characters along with several neat twists and turns. Sinatra effortlessly carries the picture with his laid-back charisma and delivers his snappy quips with deliciously dry gusto. The ace supporting cast rates as another substantial asset: Richard Conte as Rome's loyal buddy Lt. Dave Santini, Jill St. John as sultry and enticing dame Ann Archer, Simon Oakland as powerful wealthy businessman Rudy Kosterman, Gena Rowlands as Rudy's deceitful wife Rita, Lloyd Bochner as slimy drug dealer Vic Rood, Robert J. Wilke as seedy hotel detective Ralph Turpin, and Shecky Greene as wormy limping hood Catleg. Popping up in nifty bits are Rocky Graziano as washed-up former boxer Packy and Tiffany Bolling in her film debut as a cocktail waitress who gets roughed-up by some toughs. Joseph F. Biroc's vibrant widescreen cinematography provides a pleasing polished look. Billy May's groovy score hits the right-on swinging spot. A really fun slice of 60's crime noir.