Monty the comedian

The definitive "Monty Clift image" is that of despair, isolation, angst-ridden, and shattering vulnerability.

Yet here, we get a wider idea of his range (which is incredibly broad, despite some schools of thought to the contrary) and a pleasing look into his astonishing vat of capbilities.

He's quite funny in here, ably mixing his signature brooding with light-heartedness and some nice comic touches. The scene where he disguises himself as a member of a singing ensemble to avoid detection from the authorities is a fu_ckin riot, as is the part a few moments later where he emits a loud "gulping" sound to corroborate Cornell's cover-up story that he's her mute companion. Monty was, by nature, a quirky individual, and according to those who knew him, had a great sense of humor. It's a pleasure watching him exploit that side of his personality here.

It's a must for Clift fans, as it's a radical (and maybe even welcome) departure from the more heavy-handed fare that we're accustomed to seeing him in.

I've maintained that Clift made the worst career decision ever by opting out of Sunset Blvd. (which Wilder wrote specifically with him in mind) in exchange for this; while I still think that the marriage of Clift and Wilder's acclaimed film is a match made in Heaven, I have to concede that his logic wasn't as skewed as I've previously asserted. The film in no way achieves greatness, but it is an interesting creation that looked sublime on paper. Monty was fascinated by the issues at the film's core, which are incredibly poignant and needed to be dealt with. If done with more deftness and skill, this could have been a bonafide classic. As it is, it's a worthy (if just barely) mark on his resume.

Cheers.

"...if that was off, I'd be whoopin' your ass up and down this street." ~ an irate Tarantino