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Ring of Fire (1961)
7/10
Taut Drama / Retro Fun
10 February 2011
I saw "Ring Of Fire" as a kid growing up in Seattle and it stuck with me, though I couldn't remember exactly why. I kept looking and finally found a copy. (hint) You don't have to look too far.

If you want the plot laid out you'll find many great synopsis above and below . My point here is to say that even though it's dated the picture is fast paced and exciting. The characters are all archetypes: "Good Cops" versus "Bad Girl" and "Delinquent Punks" very crudely drawn but you find yourself caring about what happens to them. The other actors look like they might have been pulled in off the streets of Vernonia but it gives the film a realistic feel. The super real color cinematography reminds me of the boxes of Kodak slides and photographs us boomer's have stuffed in closets and attics.

David Janssen stands out as the big hearted cop. His shy mumbling affect is a sharp contrast to his large frame and ruggedly handsome face. Frank Gorshin is creepy as the ringleader and Joyce Taylor is, well, Joyce Taylor. Probably one of the worst actors to ever "grace" the silver screen. Watch her in "Atlantis The Lost Continent" and see if you don't agree. The opening scene with Taylor in the café is as comical as a Carol Burnett skit. Though the acting in this picture could be better it's well worth your time. The ending is very tense and will hold your interest.
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Still a Classic
12 April 2010
I too saw this as a youngster at the Crest Theater in Shoreline (Seattle) Wa. I remember being terrified by the charging, red eyed bull and enchanted by the Magic Fan. I went back time and again, probably 4 times in one weekend! Schmaltzy and corny? You bet! But it does have a simple message completely lacking in today's overblown empty spectacles.

The plot has been hashed over many times here so I will confine myself to the available versions. AVOID the Movies Unlimited DVD at all costs. The quality is blurry and crappy. Someone said there was a widescreen VHS version out there but i've never seen it. The DVD's floating around are full-screen and the quality's not great. After waiting years I finally scored the Laser-Disc on EBay. This is probably the best print available. The colors are vivid and the image sharp. The sound could be better but I never cared for the musical number anyway... at least I won't admit I do.

There was another animated feature out around the same time called "Magic Boy" and I'd love to see that again.
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