Moviecut—The Mississippi Gambler

source: The Mississippi Gambler

The Mississippi Gambler

The scenario, rather banal, is bought by the splendors of the sets and the costumes as well as by the beauty of the photography. This movie won't remain permanently in our memory, but it can be seen without displeasure. Is it a Western or not a western? Definitely not western! The gentleman from Louisiana is rather the protagonist of a melodrama with a background of amorous imbroglio: he loves a woman who cannot love him and he doesn't like the woman who loves him... What a dilemma... At the helm was Rudolph Maté, who had been master cinematographer for more than 25 years serving great directors like Carl Theodor Dreyer, Alexander Korda, Alfred Hitchcock and Orson Welles. He directed thirty films in all genres, of which Death on arrival (DOA) was definitely his best achievement.

Tyrone Power does a fine turn as a gambler who prevails at cards and life by playing honestly at both. Director Billy Wilder later used Power's talent at playing the honest-joe in Witness for the Prosecution. In the latter movie, Power's characterization is richer and more nuanced than here(but you'll need to see Witness to find out why!). Seton I. Miller, the chief screenwriter for Mississippi Gambler, worked with Powers in an earlier movie, The Black Swan. Both movies feature a dance sequence highlighting black "ethnic" musicians and dancers. Gwen Verdon provides the dancing talent in Mississippi Gambler. Worth watching for the lavish costumes, detailed sets, and excellent cast. Sadly, by the time this movie was made, Power had lost the aura that caused him to shine as a younger star.

Excellent and a bit different action type story line. Great mix, of old world, upper echelon Mississippi River gambling life. Also the rift between "commoners" and the "rich elite" who like to make believe they don't have all the same feelings and faults like us average folk. It has a good supporting cast as well. Tyrone Power was a bit older by this move but we all age and he still looks darn good. He also is still a fine actor and personality and can command the screen too. It's has some excellent sword play and it also provides a bit of a real fencing education. Besides all that it's in color and It's got Julie Adams and Piper Laurie too!