Who doesn’t love Joan Collins? A lot of people I
imagine. But in the gay community she is adored. Ever since her DYNASTY days she has become a permanent fixture
in our lives thanks mostly to her riveting performance of scheming Alexis
Carrington. Consequently, I’ve always enjoyed watching her in anything that has
her name on it, whether it’s a guest spot on some ill-fated TV show, or a
starring role in some TV-movie or miniseries; heck, even a simple TV commercial
like that Cinzano one which has become a classic in its hilariousness will do.
In our eyes, she always makes everything interesting. So of course when I had
the chance to catch her again in the 1958 revenge western film THE BRAVADOS, playing the love interest
of Gregory Peck, I immediately thought of ‘blog entry’ since, like I said, we
do love our Joan.
So here she is in a western playing against type and I
couldn’t be happier. Not exactly true, for she is little seen and the picture
should belong to her. What we have instead is a second billing performance of a
female Mexican rancher who is the former flame of the star. She is all young
but still recognizable with those sultry eyes. Named Josefa, she is the voice
of reason for a man who is mind-set on killing the 4th and last
fugitive who he thinks murdered his wife. Not an easy task for her, since he is
one heck of a vindictive avenger. Nonetheless she succeeds at it and ends up
running off into the sunset with him. Or it is led to believe that she will.
The film reminds me of the Steve McQueen vehicle NEVADA
SMITH which is based on the character in THE CARPETBAGGERS by Harold Robbins. This one is from 1966 and has the same
revenge theme. Despite both westerns being not exactly my cup of tea I got to
say they are still quite fetching in their deliveries. Gregory Peck certainly
manages to hold his own and though I’ve never seen him in anything else, I
doubt that he is just one trick pony of an actor. As for Joan Collins, well,
the lack of chemistry with Peck barely helps matters but looking pretty or
having presence does, so there’s that. And besides, if nothing else it got her
to do next the funny RALLY ‘ROUND THE FLAG, BOYS in which she plays a sexy
married neighbour who has the hots for Paul Newman (who wouldn’t?). If you guys
have yet to see this one I suggest you check it out, as you should THE BRAVADOS if only to support our
Joan in a tamer role.
I’ve never heard of her talk about this film in
interviews. I’m sure it’s mentioned in her autobiography PAST IMPERFECT which
I’m ashamed to say I have yet to read. I always feel like I’ve never seen
enough films to venture into one’s biography.
At the rate that I’m going right now I should probably scratch that idea.
I don’t want to miss the party before my time comes. And we all know how fast time
passes by nowadays.
Until next post—Martin
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