Kaltblütig (1967)

Kaltblütig: Directed by Richard Brooks. With Robert Blake, Scott Wilson, John Forsythe, Paul Stewart. Two ex-cons murder a family in a robbery attempt, before going on the run from the authorities. The police try to piece together the details of the murder in an attempt to track down the killers.

“I happened to be sitting in a lovely hotel room at a wonderful resort in the Ozarks, ready to go out on the boat after golfing 18 holes in fine weather, when I made the mistake of turning on the TV. One of the cable channels was screening u0026quot;In Cold Blood.u0026quot; I watched the opening sequence. Despite the beautiful weather, and the girlfriend nagging at me to get up off the couch and go outside, I knew I wouldnu0026#39;t leave the room until the movie was over. I canu0026#39;t add much to the fine reviews by others, particularly the review by the gentleman from London, except to add that the dialogue in the movie is marvelous. The writer and director caught the laconic, spare speech of the Midwest. The questions and answers between the characters are perfect. (Paul Stewart, the reporter: u0026quot;Donu0026#39;t the people in this town lock their doors?u0026quot; John Forsythe, the detective: u0026quot;They will tonight.u0026quot;) And the way Perry and Dick look at each other menacingly in critical situations gives one the chills. (Dick: u0026quot;Donu0026#39;t worry baby; we left no living witnesses.u0026quot; Perry, staring at Dick: u0026quot;I know one.u0026quot;) Of all the great performances in the film, my favorite is John Forsythe as the KBI detective who grows weary from contemplating the evil minds behind the murders of his Kansas neighbors, the Clutters. A close second among the great performances is Scott Wilson, who makes Dick a charming loser going nowhere in life, unable and unwilling to civilize himself to live in society.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eCertainly this is one of the ten best movies ever made, and the best of all the u0026quot;True Crimeu0026quot; movies. (The made-for-TV remake was a horrible, lame joke.) I just hope when it comes on again itu0026#39;s a miserable day outside so I donu0026#39;t miss out on the boating! Ed in St. Louis”