GLORIA

(director/writer: John Cassavettes; screenwriter: Buck Henry; cinematographer: Fred Schuler; editor: George C. Villasenor; music: Bill Conti; cast: Gena Rowlands (Gloria Swenson), John Adames (Phil DawnGangster), Julie Carmen (Jeri Dawn), Buck Henry (Jack Dawn), Lawrence Tierney (Broadway Bartender), Val Avery (Sill), Basilio Franchina (Tony Tanzini), Tom Noonan (Gangster), Sonny Landham (Riverside Drive Man); Runtime: 121; MPAA Rating: PG; producer: Sam Shaw; Columbia TriStar; 1980)

“Gena must carry the pic on her back.”

Reviewed by Dennis Schwartz

John Cassavettes (“Minnie and Moskovitz”/”The Killing of A Chinese Bookie”) directs a conventional crime drama that’s been over-rated because the director’s wife, Gena Rowland, is great in it even if the story is not great. It’s co-scripted by the comedian Buck Henry and Cassavettes.

The middle-aged, overweight and childless Bronx resident Gloria (Gena Rowlands) rescues her neighbor’s six-year-old Puerto Rican son Phil Dawn (John Adames) from the mobsters who have killed his mobster accountant father Jack Dawn (Buck Henry) and family in a mob hit. She goes on the lam in the streets of NYC with the kid and his father’s ledger of Mob accounts.

Gloria’s a gutsy gun moll, ex-lover of a notorious gangster, who shoots her many pursuers coming after the boy.

The child can’t deliver the sharp dialogue of Cassavettes, as a result the film stumbles and Gena must carry the pic on her back.

The film was made by the great director as a commercial venture to bring in cash for his more arcane personal films. In that sense it succeeded. Otherwise, it’s merely a watchable showcase film for Gena to show-off her acting chops. It might be the pic she’s most identified with.

REVIEWED ON 8/31/2024  GRADE: B-
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