Hot Cars (1956)

It’s not bad or unwatchable but despite the amplitude of the spectacle, the end result is underwhelming.

The film's masterful storytelling did its job. The message was clear. No need to overdo.

A terrific literary drama and character piece that shows how the process of creating art can be seen differently by those doing it and those looking at it from the outside.

It is an exhilarating, distressing, funny and profound film, with one of the more memorable film scores in years,

HOT CARS (1956). TCM recently unearthed this rare crime drama (not sure if ever got a legit home video release until very recently) produced by Howard Koch and directed by Don McDougall (mainly a TV director). It could be termed 'lite Noir' as it certainly has all the basic elements: A man forced into a criminal enterprise (John Broomfield). A dangerous femme fatale (the luscious Joi Lansing). A crime boss (Ralph Clanton). The Detective on the case (Dabbs Greer). A murder. Etc.. It certainly qualifies, but, it lacks much style as it's mostly done in a flat TV episodic style. That is, until the pretty exciting and cinematic finale in an amusement park. Nothing great, but, 50s crime completists will want to take a look should TCM run it again.

John Bromfield is an honest young man with a pretty wife and a new baby. He's also a used car salesman, who gets fired for not pushing junk to a customer. That customer turns out to be the owner of a chain of used car lots, looking for someone like Bromfield to sell stolen cars.HOT CARS, like many a Schenck-Koch production in this period, has an interesting story, people who look good on the screen and fine visuals. Not only is it shot in the "Southwest Noir" style, but there's a fine noir ending on a roller coaster. What it lacks is good performances. The line readings all seem a bit droning, like a bad episode of DRAGNET. It even results in calling attention to the actors. Joi Lansing, in particular, seems to hit her mark and pose before reciting her lines.Still, the careful visuals and bravura ending add to the story to keep things interesting all the way through.

This is a decent short (100 minute) film. It is about an honest man who agrees to work for a used car company that hocks stolen cars (after they have been repainted etc...).Have seen versions of the plot before (e.g. Kloptka) an honest man gets involved with crooks to get the money to save his sick child. The crooks turn out to be nobody's friend and they frame him for a murder.Fast moving and entertaining decent acting well filmed. The last scene on the roller coaster made me dizzy.Recommend for some entertainment. I originally watched it to look at the vintage 1950s cars it turned out to be entertaining as well.A well done 50s B movie.

I seem to have a soft spot in my heart or head for B movies of the 30's thru the 50's. I like their fast pacing, attention to the story line, the actors who for the most part are virtually unknown. Hot Cars, if it is known at all today lives on because of the lobby cards featuring the beautiful, and, talented Joi Lansing. This is a really good movie though with great performances by John Bromfield and Joi Lansing. Of course wherever Joi is there is delightful eye candy but make no mistake about it, Joi was a very good actress. This movie gives her a bigger role than just walking across the back drop. It's a real shame she didn't get better roles. John Bromfield is an ideal actor for the role of Nick Dunn who is caught in the middle of the hot car scam. The supporting cast works along with these two stars to form a cohesive ensemble. Something you don't always get in the "Bigger" movies. OK, it's not a lavish movie with a big budget and razzle dazzle special effects. Just a gripping story told in a late film-noirish manner. The actors make you care about what is happening on screen in a most convincing manner. This is a real gem! See it if you can. It needs to be released on DVD.