Despite extensive location lensing on actual French locations, this movie emerges as a somewhat tepid chase thriller when viewed in a theatre. On the Payless DVD, however, it comes across like gang busters. Set against a backdrop of thrilling natural backgrounds, the script rouses the interest right from the start. Admittedly, the green glove itself is not much to get excited over, but what does stir the soul are the rugged mountainous exteriors which are all utilized most effectively for plenty of action thrills by director Rudolph Maté and ace cinematographer Claude Renoir. Admittedly, both photography and direction look dull on a cinema screen, but on the home screen they are both transformed and come across most effectively. True, Glenn Ford has turned in better and far more charismatic portrayals than his somewhat listless, ex-G.I. hero who seems outclassed by both the feminine lead, Geraldine Brooks, and by villainous George Macready. Alas, the unconvincing parish priest, Sir Cedric Hardwicke, poses no threat in the acting stakes. He is also somewhat undone (1) by the fact that he is obviously not French and (2) because the script forces him to play his scenes twice!
Review of The Green Glove
