“Lady in Cement” is a 1968 crime drama film. It follows private investigator Tony Rome as he attempts to solve the murder of a woman found dead in cement. Along the way, he navigates dangerous waters and confronts corrupt characters. The film is gritty and suspenseful, with Frank Sinatra delivering a commanding performance as the tough-talking detective.
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Review
As the sun set on Miami, the city’s seedy underbelly came to life in “Lady in Cement,” a twisted and thrilling film that kept audiences on the edge of their seats.
Starring Frank Sinatra as Tony Rome, a tough-talking private investigator who stumbles upon a corpse while scuba diving, “Lady in Cement” was an instant classic when it hit theaters in 1968.
Based on the novel by Marvin H. Albert, “Lady in Cement” tells a dark and complex story about corruption, murder, and betrayal. The plot takes several unexpected turns as Rome tries to uncover the truth behind the dead woman he found at the bottom of the ocean.
Sinatra shines as Rome, delivering hard-boiled dialogue with ease. He’s equal parts charming and ruthless, and his performance is one of the highlights of the film.
But he’s not alone in his excellence – Raquel Welch also gives a standout performance as Kit Forrest, a nightclub singer who helps Rome navigate Miami’s seamy underworld. The chemistry between Sinatra and Welch is electric, and their scenes together are some of the most memorable in the movie.
The rest of the cast is equally impressive. Richard Conte plays Lieutenant Dave Santini, an old friend of Rome’s who becomes embroiled in his investigation. Dan Blocker is menacing as mob boss Gronsky. And Richard Deacon steals every scene he’s in as a hapless coroner.
The script is tight and effective, keeping audiences guessing until the very end. Director Gordon Douglas captures Miami’s vibrant energy while also highlighting its seedier side. The result is a film that feels both glamorous and gritty at once.
The score by Hugo Montenegro perfectly complements the action on screen – it’s jazzy and cool without feeling outdated or cheesy.
Despite its critical acclaim and box office success, “Lady in Cement” isn’t often discussed these days. But for fans of classic film noir, it’s a must-see. It’s a stylish, suspenseful thriller that feels just as relevant now as it did over 50 years ago.
In terms of production, the film was made on a relatively modest budget of $3 million. It was shot on location in Miami and the surrounding areas, which gives it a real sense of authenticity.
There were some challenges during filming – Sinatra reportedly clashed with Douglas over his interpretation of the character, and Welch was initially hesitant to take on the role of Kit. But in the end, these obstacles only added to the movie’s overall success.
Critics praised “Lady in Cement” upon its release, with many noting that it surpassed its predecessor, “Tony Rome,” in both style and substance. The film went on to earn several award nominations, including a Golden Globe nod for Sinatra.
There are several standout scenes in “Lady in Cement” – from Rome’s underwater discovery at the beginning of the film to his confrontations with Gronsky later on. But perhaps one of the most memorable is when Rome and Forrest stake out a suspect’s house while hiding in an adjoining apartment. The tension is palpable as they wait for something to happen – and when it finally does, it’s nothing short of explosive.
Of course, no discussion of “Lady in Cement” would be complete without mentioning its iconic title song by composer Jimmy Van Heusen and lyricist Sammy Cahn. Sung by Sinatra himself, it perfectly captures the movie’s vibe – smooth yet dangerous.
Overall, “Lady in Cement” is a true gem of 60s cinema that deserves more recognition than it gets. With its excellent performances, tight script, and stylish direction, it’s a must-watch for any fan of film noir or Frank Sinatra.
Technical Data
- Runtime : 93
- Release : 1968-11-19
- Genre : Mystery, Comedy, Crime, Drama
- Cast : Frank Sinatra as Tony Rome, Raquel Welch as Kit Forrest, Richard Conte as Lt. Dave Santini, Martin Gabel as Al Mungar, Lainie Kazan as Maria Baretto
- Crew : Robert L. Simpson as Editor, Walter M. Scott as Set Decoration, David Dockendorf as Sound, Joseph F. Biroc as Director of Photography, Jerry Wunderlich as Set Decoration
- Popularity 5.753
- Budget : 0
- Revenue : 0
- Company : Arcola Pictures, 20th Century Fox
- Summary : While diving for sunken treasure, street-smart gumshoe Tony Rome finds the body of a gorgeous blonde, her feet stuck in a block of cement. Soon after, tough guy Waldo Gronski hires him to find a missing woman named Sandra Lomax, and Rome wonders if there’s a connection. He sets about trying to locate the woman, and in no time finds himself mixed up with a beautiful party girl and a slippery racketeer.
- Tagline : A beautiful body under water. A private eye in over his head.
