MANTRAP

US, 1961, 93 minutes, Black and white.
Jeffrey Hunter, David Janssen, Stella Stevens, Hugh Sanders.
Directed by Edmond O'Brien.

Mantrap is a tough thriller of the early '60s. Jeffrey Hunter had established himself as a star in the '50s but David Janssen and Stella Stevens were emerging at this time. The film was directed by Edmond O'Brien, one of the rare occasions in which he went behind the cameras.

The film has a cynical touch, the aftermath of the Korean War, big business and swindles in the '50s, wealthy tycoons and alcoholic daughters. The film's grim style echoes something of the change of moods at the beginning of the '60s. In itself it is an interesting hard-boiled melodrama.

1. Popularity of tough melodramas? Gangsters? Affluent society? Double deals? The atmosphere of the early 160s?

2. Black and white photography? The atmosphere of Los Angeles? Musical score?

3. The title - and its reference to the central characters? trapped? Interlocking?

4. Matt Jameson as hero? The prologue in Korea, action sequences, his saving Vince Biskay's life? The fellowship of the Marines?, The passing of time? Matt in Los Angeles? His marriage? Nina, her beauty, alcoholism? E.J.Maldon and his building contracting work? Vince's arrival? The proposal about the hijack? Matt agreeing to the proposal? Difficulties? The gangs? Nina's death? Suspicions on Matt? The hijacking of the money at the airport? Vince's being wounded? His self-sacrifice about the money, sending Vince to Mexico? His worry about Nina, his burying her body? The rival gang and their wanting the money, beating him, his memory loss? The help of Liz, of Ruth? The police? His regaining his memory, his confession? A man trapped in the aftermath of war? Big business? Shady deals?

5. Vince and his comradeship with Matt in Korea, his wound, his life being saved? His turning up - suave style? Proposal? Persuading Matt? Entanglement with Nina? The caper? Vince's being wounded? His driving to Mexico? The crash? A petty crook with ambitions?

6. Nina and the domination of her father? His work? Her marriage to Matt? Her drinking? Her love for Matt? Entanglement with Venice? Her depression? Her death?

7. Liz and her work for E.J.Maldon, her infatuation with Matt, helping him, the police? Ruth and her working for Nina, her love for Matt, her help?

8. E.J.Maldon and the tycoon, ruthless, influence on her son-in-law, daughter? His work with Liz? her attitudes towards him?

9. The world of criminals, gangsters and hijacking? Agents? Shoot-outs? Bashings? An ugly world?

10. Interesting action melodrama?