Classic Movie Review: BLACK WIDOW 🕷️ with STEVE HAYES: Tired Old Queen at the Movies

Classic Movie Review: It’s blackmail and mayhem mixed with a touch of murder in the first “whodunnit” shot in Cinemascope, as Ginger Rogers, Van Heflin, Gene Tierney, George Raft and Peggy Ann Garner star in Nunnally Johnson's BACK WIDOW (’54) with excellent support by Hilda Simms. Based on the novel by celebrated mystery writer Patrick Quentin and set on location in New York in glorious-glamorous Technicolor, here are spectacular visuals and enough twists and turns to keep you guessing throughout. A young writer insinuates herself into the life of a Broadway producer. To quote the movie’s tagline, “One of them will kill her tonight, and your guess is as good as ours.”
DVD - BLACK WIDOW (1954) Drama, Film-Noir, Mystery amzn.to/3WOJlDC
MOVIE POSTER: BLACK WIDOW Original Insert Movie Poster 1954 Film Noir Ginger Rogers amzn.to/3WMRRTL
MOVIE POSTER: BLACK WIDOW-Lobby Card-#3-1954-Ginger Rogers-Van Heflin-Gene Tierney amzn.to/44UIMuc
LOBBY CARD: BLACK WIDOW (1954) 11x14 Lobby Card Set Average Theater-Used Condition Ginger Rogers Van Heflin Gene Tierney George Raft Film Written And Directed By Nunnally Johnson amzn.to/3Kca7OI
The Peter Duluth Mysteries (8 book series) by Patrick Quentin amzn.to/3KdAS5C
A PUZZLE FOR FOOLS: A PETER DULUTH MYSTERY by Patrick Quentin (An American Mystery Classic) amzn.to/3yw2ArD
Autobiography: SELF PORTRAIT by Gene Tierney amzn.to/3k0pErj
Autobiography: GINGER: MY STORY by GInger Rogers amzn.to/3QK7ZAD
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[@alwaysblake148]

Steve Hayes is back and better than ever. His dialogue impersonations pf Peggy Ann Gardner, Hilda Sim and Ginger Rogers are priceless. Of course, I now have to search out and find this film.

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

Lots of fun! Light " moidah"! LOL!

[@frk4musl]

It's streaming free on Tubi right now.

[@elizabethj8510]

His Tallulah is Oscar-worthy.

[@travisgrant5608]

As soon as I'm notified that you've dropped a new KZbin video I click on it in a New York minute!!! You're simply THE BEST!!! So much fun to spend time with. Love you Steve! 👍🤗💞

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

You too! Thanks so much for watching. This is a fun one for summer.

[@bellbottomblues131]

Same here!

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

@@bellbottomblues131 Thanks so much! Steve

[@stevers62]

Group hug!

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

@@stevers62 AWWWW! RIGHT BACK AT YA!

[@carrerlluna66]

Always a pleasure to see a review. Please do more you light up our lives!

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

I'll do them as long as you keep watching.

[@nicomedessantiago6259]

Gene Tierney! Ginger Rogers! Steve Hayes! & Johnny!! My spring morning is made!! 🌹🌟🌟🌟🌟

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

Hooray! Mission accomplished! My day is made as well!

[@leonalia]

I saw this as teenager back in the day and loved it. I always remembered the fabulous wardrobe of Ginger. Great stuff Steve. Keep them coming.

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

I first saw it as a kid on "NBC Saturday Night At The Movies" and have loved it ever since.

[@jelsner5077]

I am living for your Tallulah Bankhead impression! 😂

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

LOL! Thanks so much!

[@jeraldbaxter3532]

Someone once asked Tallulah Bankhead if she'd ever seen an actress better than Bette Davis, to which she replied, "Yes, darling, every morning, when I brush my teeth!"

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

Typical Tallulah. Hilarious.

[@Tsumami__]

I love love love Bette, but Tallulah is forever mother

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

@@Tsumami__ She was a character.

[@jons.105]

Who else but Steve could give us spot-on impressions of Peggy Ann Garner AND Hilda Simms in less than 12 minutes?!

[@dwhitman3092]

I know, right?

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

Ha1 You made my night! Thanks so much!

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

@@dwhitman3092 Awww, much abliged.

[@frk4musl]

Steve! You never cease to amaze me. One of my favorite movies of the fifties! Your review was wonderful, as always. I just started watching this again, but will go back and watch from the beginning. What a cast, the wardrobe, the dialogue (and Virginia "Jan in the Pan" Leith, to boot). Thanks so much for highlighting this film that never got the recognition it deserved. You're the best!

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

OMG! I didn't realize so many people loved this one as much as I do! Hooray! I first saw it as a kid on " NBC Saturday Niught At The Movies" and it knocked me out! Those shots of New York in the '50's and the costumes. I often wished I had been more of a " Purpose Girl"! LOL! This one and " Niagara" were my two favorite Technicolkor noirs of the '50's and both from Fox. Travilla was a genius, who never got as much recognition as he should have. So glad you liked it! Thanks for watching! Best; Steve

[@frk4musl]

@@STEVEHAYESTOQ I think I watched it on NBC Saturday Night at the Movies in my adolescence as well! Love that reference. Your comment about being more of a "purpose girl" was priceless (I too, needed to have been "more" of one as well but that ship has sailed! LOL). I never heard that terminology before and missed it the first time I watched the movie (I know much of the content was over my head as I was 10 years-old in March of 1964 when it aired)... but will be incorporating the term it into my conversations, texts, and emails! Keep those reviews coming!

[@wwh484]

I happened to watch this movie for the first time a few weeks ago. So glad you mentioned Hilda Simms!!! Her performance blew me away and couldn't believe I'd never heard of her. She should have had a wonderful career in films but got caught up in the Hollywood blacklist of the time. A loss for all of us who love movies - like you. Thanks for always pointing us in a fun direction in such an entertaining way.

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

Oh, thank you. You made my day. I just love Hilda in this scene. So frank and so wise. " That Nanny was strickly a "Purpose Girl". Love that!

[@godcandy108]

Another great escapism, Steve (and Johnny). A big "thank you" from TLV. Remember, the falafel is on me.

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

LOL! Have agreat summer and thanks for watching! Steve

[@celinhabr1]

When i saw your update i was already smiling! Thank you, love! It's a fun movie and your review makes me want to rewatch. Thank you to you, Johnny and the whole team.

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

Our pleasure and thanks to you for the watching and for the lovely compliments. Steve

[@johnmason5574]

Oh Steve, everytime I watch your reviews, I want to watch the movie. Fortunately I have this one. So no problem. Thank you for bringing attention to these classics.

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

My pleasure. Thank you for watching! Happy Summer! Steve

[@katiewest7908]

I'm so thrilled you gave this film such a lovely,long, review. It's always been a favorite💙

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

I really have a soft spot for this one as well. So glad you're pleased.

[@ethannielson942]

I have to tell you Steve that because of your review I ordered the DVD of BLACK WIDOW, which I’m so looking forward to seeing. I have seen between 12 & 13 thousand films in my life and surprisingly never had heard of this film. I of course saw the Debra Winger/Teresa Russell BLACK WIDOW which as you know is a completely different type of story. A friend, Nilo Otero was the 1st AD on that film which shot mostly in Hawaii. Ginger Rogers was a really good actress (STORM WARNING & KITTY FOYLE) whose dramatic skills always took second place to her amazing dancing abilities. She was also a really nice woman, I had a friend who knew her and always spoke of how kind she was. She also wrote a wonderful autobiography. I also have written film reviews for INSIDE THE VATICAN Magazine and at my website. Thank you for your great reviews. I have a dear friend who is great friends with Mia Farrow and I know that Mia will really appreciate what you said about her performance in DEATH ON THE NILE. All the best, Ethan

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

Thank you Ethan for the lovely comment/compliments. I hope you enjoy " Black Widow", a color noir with a biut of wit and some gorgeosu loaction work. Hapove a wonderful summer and I hope you susbribe to TOQ , so I can bring you a new classic every month. All My Best'; Steve PS- I adore Mia in " Death On The Nile". Brillant, subtle and sinister work!

[@John_Fugazzi]

Here's a film I've never even heard of and with quite a cast. It has a very good chance of being seen tonight if anyone is streaming it. I'm glad you often pick these lesser known films to review over the big classics. I'm back to add lots of sites are streaming it so it's on for tonight.

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

Hooray! Have a good time.

[@Gobear1]

It's on Tubi

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

@@Gobear1 Hooray!

[@tracyotrhuiskamp1012]

Its also on i tunes

[@dwhitman3092]

Hi Steve and Johnny! Both of you are looking Great! Always love your videos and the information presented! Such a treasure! ❤

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

Thanks so very much!

[@calonkat]

I do not understand why there aren't thousands of likes immediately on these. I love all the gossipy bits and history. I've learned about so many movies that didn't appeal from the description!!!

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

You and me both! LOL! Thanks so much! Stever

[@marymitchell8625]

Marvelous! Welcime back, Steve!

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

Thanks! So glad you liked it! It's summer!

[@neildickson5394]

Loved seeing ol George Raft again. Ginger Rogers shows her acting chops and upstages everyone. One scene always puzzled me. It's when the niece goes to the Uncle's apartment the first time and the Uncle sneakily grabs some gloves left on his armchair. Who did they belong to? Seems like a wasted scene unless it pertained to something later. I always wanted them to be Ginger's gloves since she liked to wear long elbow gloves, and since her husband cheated, why not her as well? After all, the Uncle was in her play. And Nanny likely came to NYC expecting and was looking for someone to hang it on. No DNA tests in those days.

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

All interesting theories. The gloves always bothered me too, but then I thought he probably just didn't want his niece to see thet he was just an old lothario. Thnaks for watching! Steve

[@alidabaxter5849]

Dear Steve, I'm delighted you've come out to play again - it's been far too long. I finally got all the geraniums along my balcony planted last week - since when they've been knocking on the windows begging to be brought back in from the cold and the rain - but I was amazed to see your review of this film, because I absolutely adore Nunnally Johnson, and have a great admiration for Hugh Wheeler (much good may it do me), but I'd never heard of this one. The cast is extraordinary, and some of the pairings are odd - Gene Tierney married to Van Heflin, really? But your imitations of Peggy Ann Garner are priceless; she sounds like the sort of lump you tune out at other people's parties. I'm not surprised at anything with Ginger Rogers, though - of course she looked wonderful; she wasn't only a dancer, she also played all that tennis (when I was at school we were taken to the tennis courts in the Royal park nearby and I had a great serve but was so short-sighted I tried to return little birds flying overhead). I always thought, if Rose Klebb had been right-wing and not Russian, Ginger could have played Rose Klebb. And of course she was looking for something to do - she turned so many things down. I'll give this a try because you recommend it, but have recently discovered "Internes Can't Take Money" on KZbin, and soppy though it is, Barbara Stanwyck and Joel McCrea are so pretty they're irresistible in it. By the way, you broke my heart when you didn't reply about "Gentleman's Agreement" - when I was 19 I sat across the aisle from Gregory Peck in the National Film Theatre, while they were honouring someone else, and I'd never seen any man so unbelievably handsome and never have since. Best wishes, Alida

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

I hope you like "Black Widow", it's big, spashy and alot of fun. I think that Van and Gene make a really comfortable couple. They have a lovely scene at the airport right at the top of the film that establishes their relationship beautifully. Two people who've lived with each other for years, know each other's ins and out and let each other have them. I always felt Ginger always had a bit of a chip on her shoulder that came across. Especially when it came to not being taken seriously as an actress. Ironically, she played variattions on that character several times. ( " Stage Door", " The Barkeley Of Broadway", " Dreamboat") I think wheneverr she got 'grand" she got in trouble. For this role, however ,it works and thanks to taking such wonderful care of herself and to " Travilla", the costumer who shaped Marilyn's whole career at Fox, she looks absolutely sensational. Darryl Zanuck recommenedd the role for her and eventually talked her into it. I think Peggya Ann Garner, who was savaged in the reviews by that stupid Bosley Crother at The New York Times, for what he called her " candied yam charm" , is just what's called for here. If she'd been a sex pot, you would have figured it out right away,. As a "purpose girl" , you gradually watch her transform through other people's interpretation of who she actually is, into the monster she's eventiully revealed to be. . In that case, although certainly not in the same league , its remiicent of Jean Kent and Dirk Bogarde in " The Woman In Question", which I plan to do down the line. Sorry about the " Gentlemen's Agreement" faux paz. Quite often, I don't get the comments. They get lost in the shuffle. If I come across it in today I will get right on it. Enjoy the flowers. Best;' The "Heartbreaker"

[@susanerickson6195]

It’s Memorial Day and wouldn’t you know it! Here comes Steve and Johnnie with another fabulous, fun classic movie review 🎉. I missed this one, so now on my “to watch” list! Love you guys♥️

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

Happy Memorial Day and thanks for watching! Steve & Johnny

[@paulnelson7525]

Love, love, love. I was waiting for a Memorial Day weekend review and here you are. I love this movie. Bravo. To all at TOQATM's Happy Memorial Day.

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

And to you as well. have a lovely weekend and thanks for watching! Steve

[@mlgmoore]

Ohh, that dress on Ginger. I admit I’ve never heard of this movie but it seems worth the time just for the wardrobe. 👗 🍿

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

It is, you can't beat Travilla in the '50's. Fabulous and Ginger looks amazing.

[@stevenrowson4339]

Thank you Steve and Johnnie, what a great sugestion. I forgot about this movie, I love your interpretations and entertaining information. I will certainly watch this movie.

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

Hooray! Mission accomplished!

[@vintagegal541]

Hey Steve, I just re-watched "Black Widow" on TubiTV. I had forgotten how it ended. Good stuff!! There is nothing like watching those 1950's and early 1960's Technicolor movies set in New York, "Desk Set", "The Best of Everything" and so many more. I just found one last week on KZbin, "A Woman's World" with June Allyson, Lauren Bacall, Arlene Dahl, Fred MacMurray, Cornel Wilde, Clifton Webb and Van Heflin. Good movie. I'd like to hear what you say about this one. Nice little twist at the end too. Thanks, again, Steve, you make my mornings when I see a new video!!

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

How wonderful!@ I'll put 'Woman's World" on my " To Do" I'd forgtten that one.

[@vintagegal541]

@@STEVEHAYESTOQ Thanks, Steve!

[@vixtex]

Thank you for posting this review! I love this movie! Van Heflin❤️

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

Wasn't he wonderful? Always terrific and very underrated.

[@grantthatcher461]

Hi Steve! You've come up with a movie that I've never heard of...and now can't wait to see! 😊 Will have to track it down. What a cast...and your description and clips make it so intriguing. Another triumph for the TOQATM!! Thanks! 😃

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

Clak this one up as a guilty pleaure of mine. We all have 'em. Enjoy.

[@niceguy5976]

"Black Widow" is available to watch on Tubi , no charge.

[@Modguy61]

Steve, I'm so glad you chose to review Black Widow. I enjoy this movie any time I can watch it! Ginger Rogers looks like she was having the best time playing Carlotta Marin so over the top, lol!!! All the actors are good in their roles but I definitely agree that Hilda Simms came across as the most real character in the movie; although I do admire Peggy Ann Garner's portrayal of Nanny Ordway...she is very subtle in her transition from a normal small town girl to one with ulterior motives. Great review, Steve as always!

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

Thanks. The reviews at the time were brutal to Garner and her performance and it virtually stopped her working in grade A pictures. I loved her, especially her final scene.

[@Modguy61]

@@STEVEHAYESTOQ I agree! Critics don't always know everything, lol!!!

[@ethannielson942]

A wonderful review Steve, I especially enjoyed the way you recited dialogue from the film and intercut it with the actual film footage. One minor error, it’s New York in the 50s, not the 60s.

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

Yup... don't know how I let that one get by... oh, well. Thanks for watching! Steve

[@lisanoble8777]

How have I never seen this movie? Thanks Steve and team TOQ!!

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

I dunno. I think you're in for a treat!

[@thomasgriffith2953]

You film reviews/explanations are absolutely wonderfully hysterical Steve! 🤗 Brilliant! You're truly the chef's kiss!! Now, I want to see this movie. 😉👍💓

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

It's alot of fun for the summer.

[@niceguy5976]

"Black Widow" is currently available to stream on Tubi, at no charge.

[@BTScriviner]

I would love to hear you really do a deep dive and analyze a film. With your knowledge, it would be fascinating. (Re: Tallulah Bankhead and "All About Eve" -- there's a radio play version on KZbin with her as Margo.)

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

Yes, I've heard it. It's very interesting.

[@jbwuzhere6819]

Love this type of movie in particular! Van Heflen is perfect in a sort of "Frasier"-ish type of way. Ginger Rodgers has great presence as a haughty unfiltered socialite. This is a great lazy afternoon whodunnit in marvelous CinemascopE and Technicolor.

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

Xactly! So sit back an have great memorial Day weekend!

[@TheDukeofMadness]

Almost missed this one. I haven't seen this movie in decades. As per usual your wonderful review has inspired me to seek it out to watch it again.

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

Perfect for the holiday weekend! Thanks for watching!

[@belasco2]

I assume Steve misspoke when he said the movie had shots of NYC in the 60’s since the movie came out in ‘54.😊 Also another tangential Tallulah connection to this movie was that she famously went on to play a character called “Black Widow” on the Batman ‘66 show.

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

Yup. Ironic ain't it?

[@ladywisewolf3942]

OMG, I would have given anything to be a fly on the wall during the filming of her appearance on that show! Can you imagine the tantrums and dressing down she gave everyone?! Poor director. 😆😂

[@edjopago1]

Welcome back, Steve. I've never seen this film, but I'm definitely going to watch it. Soon!!!! 😋

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

Hooray! Mission accomplished!

[@emerybayblues]

Saw this for free on YT. The backstory on Hilda Simms - very interesting. Victim of the blacklist.

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

Sadly, so many were. A terrific actress.

[@stevencoffin328]

I love how the practice of Hollywood producers saying "Coming up with an original idea is too hard! Instead, let's combine the plots of these two successful movies." Has existed since Hollywood has been Hollywood.

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

Oh, absolutely. And at this particulkar juncture, they took many od their previous hits from the 30's/'40's and often reshot & retooled them in Cinemacsope and Technicolor in an attempt to get people out of the house and away from the television. Fox espcially did this; " The Rains Of Ranchipur" ( The Rains Came" ), ' "Vicki" ( I Wake Up Screaming), to name a few. Thanks for watching. Steve

[@pnwtreehugger806]

'Her "husband..." Love the scare quotes! LOL.

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

It's scary proposition. LOL!

[@michaelgordon8763]

Thank you...I've seen this film and now look forward to seeing it again. I love the mid-50's spectacular colour photography....by the way...next time I'm on a date I must try sprawling on my couch with my hands in my hair as Peggy is depicted on the DVD cover...signalling "I'm ready..."

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

Yes, but for what? LOL! I wonder what demure little Peggy thought of that sultry version of her character in the ads? Thanks for watching!

[@jelenaananjewa5677]

Now I want to see that movie! Thank you! I wished, the outfits of Ginger Rogers were made for Gene (doll) ... Best regards!!!

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

Gene would look great in Travilla! Happy Holiday Weekend!

[@ambrosejoseph4843]

I just watched it. Excellent.

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

It's fun, right? Thanks for watching!

[@jumpinjupiter1165]

Love you! ❤ Subscribed!

[@dwhitman3092]

This is a Fun Place to be!

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

Hooray! Welcome aboard! I'm delighted! Best; Steve

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

@@dwhitman3092 I'm so glad you think so. Makes me so happy!

[@dwhitman3092]

​@@STEVEHAYESTOQ Oh, you know it, sweetie. Lots of love comin' your way. 💖 Doll Whitman.

[@ladywisewolf3942]

Hi Steve, Thank you for this! I've never seen this one but it looks delicious! I'm going to try and find it and watch it ASAP. 😊👍❤️

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

Please do! I think it's alotta fun!

[@BobintheD]

Steve, I am ashamed to admit I am unfamiliar with this film but I can't wait to see it! Your reviews are captivating!! And I DEFINITELY think you should consider doing "An Evening with Tallulah"!!!!!

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

You're so funny! Thanks for the suggestion and for the compliment! Best; Steve

[@alfredbonnabel7022]

This movie is one of my fav's... it's so tawdry... ❤️ it. Peggy Ann Garner doesn't come across as a manipulator. Hilda Simms is terrific in her 5 minute spot.

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

I think she does, thowever, the key is to not give the character away too early, which is tough, considering the way the story is constructed and the time factor. Thanks for watching! Steve

[@grey1951]

Great choice for a review! Your recitation of the dialogue was better than the film! I've always felt that Miss Garner was the least effective member of the cast. And, really, her character is not terribly interesting, which is a problem, as she's the central character. The movie is great fun on so many levels, but the story falls flat very quickly. Rant over! Thanks Steve!!

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

Maggie McNamara was originally cast, following her stint in " The Moon Is Blue", and " Three Coins In A Fountain", but fell through and Peggy was Johnson's second choice. I think someone like Grace Kelly or Barbara Bel Geddes would have been good, if a bit too old. Also, Virginia Leith, who plays her friend ,could have done it as well. Thanks for watching! Steve

[@nati22love]

I love this movie too

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

It's so much fun!

[@rabit818]

Gene Tierney is so beautiful. “A purpose girl”, I don’t know what it means and I will use it ASAP. Love your reviews!

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

I think it means someone who is focused, connives and does anyhthng to get what she wants. " She once gave me five dollars to let her hang uop Humphrey Bogart's coat."

[@kevinwoplin9322]

La Hayes is back !! That's right back, I tell you!....and I am here for it

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

Thank God! LOL!

[@kevinwoplin9322]

@STEVEHAYESTOQ that's for the reply! I shall put this on my list if only for Miss Rogers outfits! I am being all high falutin' and cultured atm ,working my way through Toshiro Mifune/Kurisawa movies .....Mr Mifune! Wow!!

[@bobsanders9114]

STEVE! Great one - and yeah, that scene with Van Heflin and Hilda Simms in the bar is so achingly honest, offhand, beautifully designed, shot and acted - it stands as an all-too-brief apology for the trenchant dishonesty of most of the era's Hollywood product. The scene leaves you starving for more of her, and more of her with Heflin - or any of them. Much as I love the other elements of the film - and your take on Peggy Ann Garner's overlooked, nuanced performance - there's simply overall not enough of any of it: the solution is too simple, the casting (to avoid spoilers here) of Reginald Gardiner is baffling, to say the least (replace him, perhaps, with a striving Rory Calhoun and it might begin to make some sense, or, at the very least, Louis Jourdan - I suppose Guy Madison would be too much to hope for, but at least it would make SOME sense)....but great job. I love this movie - yeah, in spite of the execrable George Raft, and it could have used Thelma Ritter, and the great Cathleen Nesbit's casting is just plain baffling)....the whole movie is a near-miss, but what's there, what actually made it to the screen is wonderful fun. Repeat: GREAT ONE.

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

Thanks, Buddy! It ' salot of fun and it has that Incredible color, costumes and sleek entertainment quotient, that always hooks me! So nice to hear from you as always! Hope you are well, busy and happy these days. Big Hugs; Steve

[@robertharrison2.055]

thank you ''

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

My pleasure. Thank you for watching!

[@robertharrison2.055]

watched it yesterday, enjoyed it .

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

Hooray! Mission accomplished!

[@robertharrison2.055]

@@STEVEHAYESTOQ best movie i watched this week .

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

@@robertharrison2.055 As my Dad would say; " There ya go!" LOL! So glad you liked it.

[@beaulatimer3617]

I so enjoyed your chat about this film. Ginger in those costumes still made her seem a bit butch. I thought the husband liked men. A remake could be where Peggy Ann's character could be played by a man for good updated fun. I did not get in this era that Ginger was a fashion model in Tight Spot and in Storm Warning - a stretch of the imagination. Also, Broadway stars in Forever Female and Black Widow before her turn in Mame. Gene played it cool and had some moments when she looked at the label of the coat and considered it "cheap" goods. George Raft was a bit comic for a serious investigator. The well-off boyfriend was cute as well as the theatre employee want-to-be actor. Loved the scene when the slumming brother and sister order a "bloody Mary"... it's slop; give them what they want (in so many words). Enjoy a lovely holiday weekend! I did not know, had to look up, Ginger was almost 30 to play the Major and the Minor odd then and now. This Black Widow was not A list yet I liked set designs of the apartments. Like Legend of Lylah Clare, camp and still interesting that it's a story about people making the same mistakes over and over again even if they know it might kill them.

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

Casting a man in the re-make would be been terrific...except of course for the pregnancy angle, but then, blackmail is blackmail. The reviewers at the time commenetded on Garner's rather unbelieveable casting as the kept/gigalo husband. I liked Skip Homeier as the gilted boyfriend, always a hottie , Virgina leith as his siter, very underrated and Mabel Albertson as the butch owner of the restaurant, who reminded me of the tough owner of the first gay bar I worked at in New York when I arrived. I love this movie, it's such fun. Steve

[@renzo6490]

Steve, I’m sure this movie is all you say it is. But I’m only half kidding when I say that I’d rather watch you deliver all the dialogue! You are, to so many films, what Mendelssohn was to J.S. Bach.

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

Oh, my goodness, that's quite a compliment! Thanks so much! You'll like this one, light fun for a holiday weekend! Steve

[@markr.devereux3385]

You' have me Intrigued STEVE-O. I just love mid fifties technicolor wide screen hollywood films. How did I miss this one?

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

I first saw it years ago on "NBC Saturday Night At The Movies" and I've lioved it ever since. Enjoy!

[@markr.devereux3385]

@STEVEHAYESTOQ I streamed BLACK WIDOW yesterday ( as a result of O.Q at the M.) and it was a boomers cinematic noir absolutely. The 1954 studio film had only a handful of watches and no.comments posted so I left a complimentary review. I didn't know new York stage people were a dangerous and wild bunch.

[@stevenstanley3157]

Love those 20th Century Fox CinemaScope movies from the 1950s. They knew how to make full use of the entire screen. But if you're my age, you first saw them in Pan and Scan on TV and only got to see half of the screen at any time. Oh, and by the way, it was Color by DeLuxe, not Technicolor.

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

However it was, they shot ir right and it hit hiome. I loeve Fox in the '50's.

[@stevenstanley3157]

@@STEVEHAYESTOQ They made CinemaScope a household word!

[@swineinny1]

This is a fun film. I liked Reginald Gardiner but thought he was miscast here. Shoulda been a younger gigolo type.

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

I quite agree. That's how he was portrayed in the novel. That was also commented on in the original reviews of the film as well. I always thought Reginald came off somewhat gay , which works for the charcter, since he's a kept husband, however, he was never a prize in the looks department, so it's hard to imagine women falling over themselves to get him in the sack. At the time, in real life, Ginger was married to a French gigalo, who was younger than herself and stunning. He moved on quite quickly and then married Oscar winner Dororthy Malone, ( " Written On the Wind"), who later sued him for divorce as well, claiming he only married her to live off her fame and finanaces. Thanks for watching.

[@TheVid54]

Good one Steve! This movie is such a bitchy thriller - Peggy Ann Garner gave Ginger Rogers a real run for her money in that department. Van Heflin is superb as always - and the lush production values are glorious: CinemaScope, Color by Deluxe and the added wonder of directional stereophonic sound. A real sleeper with some superb performances by everyone in the supporting cast and a nifty mid-century-modern noir for sure! Leigh Harline wrote a splendid score for it too. There was also an excellent Twilight Time blu-ray of BLACK WIDOW as well.

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

I love Harline's score and own it. It's lush and glamorous...like the production. Fabulous!

[@65wiseman]

Dear Mr. Hayes - Would you please someday make an entry on NINOTCHKA (1939)? I think that would be very amusing.

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

IOt It's on my "TO Do" list.

[@niceguy5976]

I always enjoy your reviews so much! Thank you for entertaining us. For anyone who is interested in watching "Black Widow", it is available to watch on Tubi at no charge. Another choice available on Tubi, also at no charge, is a wonderful movie called "Trick" starring some guy named Steve Hayes. Looking forward to the next review!

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

You ARE a Nice Guy! Thanks for the plug! Good ole' Tubi... I think someone addressed me with that the other day...hmmm. Enjoy!

[@dwhitman3092]

Really? Oh geeze I gotta check it out! Thanks for that! Love Steve but haven't seen anything other than the preview of 'Trick'. ❤

[@niceguy5976]

@@dwhitman3092 You're welcome! "Trick" is a great movie; I think you will really enjoy it.

[@niceguy5976]

@@STEVEHAYESTOQ I saw "Trick" at the movie theater when it came out in 1999. I just watched "Black Widow" (on Tubi) and really enjoyed it. Aaron Spelling had a small part in it! He played Mr. Oliver, the actor near the end of the movie, who provided Van Heflin's character Mr. Denver an alibi. You, of course, worked with his daughter Tori in the movie "Trick".

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

@@niceguy5976 Yes, I turned Tori onto "B;ack Widow" and "VickI', both of which starred her father, who in the latter, had a substantial role as a nuerotic murder suspect. A role that Elisha Cook Jr made famous in the original version of " Vicki" called " I Wake Up Screaming" ('41)!

[@megcormack681]

💙💙

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

Thanks for watching1

[@PaulTesta]

Steve, What was the "plot hole" you referred to at the end of your video? By the way, did you catch the minor, uncredited part played by Aaron Spelling? Best, Paul

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

Not tellin'!

[@scarletibis3158]

Hi folks! ❤

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

Hi Doll! Thanks for watching!

[@chrisn7259]

Another great review. I'm personally glad Talullah passed on this because it gave Ginger a rare chance to play bitchy.

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

I think so too.

[@danielstanwyck2812]

Leave it to Tallulah , and to Steve, too, you rascal, you! I've seen this film maybe twice. Although once would have been sufficient. But the nice cast and the full-bodied technicolor is enough for another look. If Tallulah had been in it, she may as well have been the only actor left alive. Ginger was able to allow for the others to have some breathing room, altho' she was the one who demanded the most attention,what with her wardrobe and snarling lines. I would've loved it if Bea Benaderet told her what she could go do with herself! Beautiful Tierney had next to nothing to do and Raft was kind of dragging along. Van Heflin is always great to see, even when he's got not much to do. Reginald Gardiner, also, is fun. But I am partial to Peggy Ann Garner, for old times sake and her delicate study in Brooklyn. (I don't think you've reviewed that film, come to think of it. Please do sometime. I'd love to hear your take on Joan Blondell! AND Dorothy McGuire!!) A shame Garner never got off the ground once grown-up, and then she died relatively young. Anyway, I enjoy it when you take a little remembered film and bring it to life again. And, as always, a pleasure to see you. From one of your many adoring fans, Daniel in NYC.

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

"A Tree Grows In Brooklyn" is definitely on my " To Do" lisr. I think Blondell should have been nominated for it. And Dorothy McGuire does a lovely job playing a character older and beleagured by her circumstances. Such a lovely actress. This one is perfect to curl up with and watch on a holiday weekend. I always like hearing from you Daniel. My Very best; ; Steve

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

The shots of New York and the costumes knock me out!

[@bennyrodriguez1244]

Yes I seen this and I thought you don’t actually see the murder but you visualize as it’s happening then (well at least to me) immediately you say there’s no way Ginger could have hung this girl by herself. She would have had super female strength to hang her like a plant.

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

Xactly.

[@okay5045]

I didn't get my notification😢

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

I dunno.... sorry.

[@ellenmuseum]

Hey! Have you reviewed My Man Godfrey yet? Hope so!

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

It's on my " To Do" list.

[@ellenmuseum]

@@STEVEHAYESTOQ one of the few movies I have watched several times!

[@jamesryan6008]

According to Bette Davis, while screaming at her soon+to-be-ex-husband, a blood vessel in her throat burst which brought about her distinctive voice in the movie.

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

Probably helped.

[@AuntieVeraCharles50]

WHAT kind of actress? ;-)

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

Thanks for watching!

[@dakert40]

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

Thanks for watching!

[@MaoRuiqi]

No living human being, or for that matter no Large Language Model, can better replicate an authentic cat fight than yourself.

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

Ha! That's some compliment. I love it!

[@carrerlluna66]

I really love Black Widow but Ginger Rogers performance is really artificial and bad. Like she's in a different movie full of phony ham and eggs.

[@Jasper7182009]

I was afraid someone’s going to make a comment such as yours. I think Ginger Rogers’ performance was fun fun fun. She ate up the scenery. For the legacy that she leaves, we have to cut her a little bit of slack and just go with the performance she gave and it was her decision to do it that way and let’s just enjoy the whole movie.

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

Well, that was her take on it, anyway.

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

I'll buy that!

[@carrerlluna66]

@@Jasper7182009 Don't take it like that,it's only an opinion. We love Ginger. It would've been better if she backed off it a bit or quit it occasionally like in 42nd St. for example. It's not a comedy it's actually pretty dark and twisted.

[@TheDukeofMadness]

Almost missed this one. I haven't seen this movie in decades. As per usual your wonderful review has inspired me to seek it out to watch it again.

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

Great! It's perfect for a holiday weekend!