Gilda (1946)

This film is famous as a showcase for actress Rita Hayworth, or rather the figure and face of Rita Hayworth in images that run from the sultry to the cheesecake. The plot concerns her characters strained relationship with an ex-beau/future husband played by Glenn Ford. There is also a syndicate run by George Macready and involving ex-patriot Germans, the film is set in South America, and largely in a casino. As much melodrama and noir as is packed in here there is still time to give Rita a few musical numbers, it's hard to classify this film. It's good, it works, even though I never felt all that invested in the proceedings, again this is a showcase for Rita. I don't know if this deserves all the praise it got, maybe its just a matter of having been the right film at the right time. ***