Tony Rome [HD]

Pleasing 60's mystery thriller
The first in two films featuring Sinatra as the title detective, "Tony Rome" is about as hardboiled as the 60's would allow with witty dialog and strong performances from a veteran cast. Sinatra's delightfully cynical performance as Rome and a couple of twisted performances by Gena Rowlands and Simon Oakland keep this film interesting. Rome is called in by his ex-partner to return the daughter of a wealthy businessman (Simon Oakland) found passed out in a seedy hotel room. When Rome's ex-partner is found dead and the girl's diamond pin is found missing, Rome finds himself hip deep in the middle of a new unwelcome mystery to solve. Rome meets and romances the wealthy and cynical Anne Archer (Jill St. John) and he must figure out if she figures in the mystery as well.

I detected no digital flaws. A very sharp, nice transfer "Tony Rome" looks really good on DVD with some minor analog flaws that crop up from time to time in the form of film splotches found, no doubt, on the...

Miami Vice...
Frank Sinatra is Tony Rome, an ex-cop turned private eye, who makes his home aboard a boat, in sunny Miami. Cynical, semi-tough, and a wise cracking gambler, a call from his ex-partner, draws him into a case revolving around the troubled family affairs of influential businessman Rudy Kosterman (Simon Oakland). His daughter Diana, (Sue Lyon) has a habit of passing out in strange places. Rome's search for Diana's missing diamond pin, leads to a twisting tale of intrigue, deception and death.

We get a glimpse at the dark side of Miami, as we follow Rome on the case. Sinatra pulls it off pretty well, without being too cute. The plot is not predictable, and requires that you pay attention. Violent at times, but not gratuitously so.

Gena Rowlands appears as Klosterman's wife. Jill St. John looks good, but her performance never rings true. Ex-boxer Rocky Graziano makes a cameo, and Deanna Lund, from TV's Land of the Giants, also briefly appears. Billy May's musical score...

Tony Rome'll Getcha Ya
Not as bright and crisp as Lady In Cement but a delight all the same. Frank Sinatra plays Tony Rome with a touch of down at the heels class. Jill St John takes lines that would be cheesy in the hands of a less capable actress and makes them ring with humor and mirth. It's a toss up who gets the best line: Sinatra's "Oh I'll have some of that." or St John's "Slut?" It won't educate you or lift your moral fiber but it's a great popcorn movie. (Home viewers may find that some other sort of diversion comes to mind after the fifth or sixth "Malcom . . .")
Thirty years and counting and this one hasn't lost any of its appeal.

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