I Mobster
I Mobster is a 1958 film noir crime-drama film directed by Roger Corman. The film features a cameo of famous burlesque star Lili St. Cyr.
| I, Mobster | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Roger Corman |
| Produced by | Edward L. Alperson Gene Corman Roger Corman |
| Starring | Steve Cochran Lita Milan |
| Music by | Gerald Fried |
| Distributed by | 20th Century Fox |
Release date |
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Running time | 81 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Budget | $500,000[1] |
Plot
Joe Sante is a small time crook, who works as a bookie's runner and small time drug pusher. Through ruthlessness and hard work, he begins to climb the ranks of organized crime until he becomes one of the main crime czar's in his city. Eventually, he is betrayed and killed by his criminal cohorts who desire his wealth an power. [2]
Cast
- Steve Cochran as Joe Sante
- Lita Milan as Teresa Porter
- Robert Strauss as Black Frankie
- Celia Lovsky as Mrs. Sante
- Lili St. Cyr as Herself
- John Brinkley as Ernie Porter
- Grant Withers as Paul Moran
- Yvette Vickers as The Blonde
- Frank Gerstle as District Attorney
- Robert Shayne as Senator
- Wally Cassell as Cherry Nose Sirago (adult)
- Jeri Southern as Singer
Production
Filming started 15 July 1958.[3] It was Corman's biggest budgeted production to date.[1] Cochrane was borrowed from Robert Alexander Productions.[4] Independent film producer Edward L. Alperson brought the screen play to Corman. The screenplay was written by Steve Fisher
Reception
Variety praised the movie, especially the portrait of the Cochran's rise and fall. The magazine also praised the directing and acting in the movie. Monthly Film Bulletin found the black humor to elevate the movie over its rather episodic story. [CEA Film Report]] however found the movie offer nothing new or different. Corman thought the film lacked the deapth of Machine Gun Kelly [5]
References
- "FILMLAND EVENTS: Blaustein to Head Independent Unit". Los Angeles Times. June 5, 1958. p. C12.
- Frank, A. (2000) The Films of Roger Corman: Shooting my way out of Trouble. Batsford Press
- "Hollywood Production Pulse". Variety. 6 August 1958. p. 20.
- THOMAS M. PRYOR (June 20, 1958). "PHIL CAREY CAST IN DISNEY MOVIE: Actor to Star With Mineo in 'Tonka' -- Negulesco to Direct 'The Blessing'". The New York Times. p. 27.
- Frank, A. (2000) The Films of Roger Corman: Shooting my way out of Trouble. Batsford Press