My Blood Runs Coldis a 1965 Americanneo noirdarkthriller filmstarringTroy Donahue,Joey HeathertonandBarry Sullivan.It was directed byWilliam Conrad.It was the second of three thrillers Conrad made for Warner Bros. A young woman falls in love with a man who may be insane.[2]
| My Blood Runs Cold | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical poster | |
| Directed by | William Conrad |
| Screenplay by | John Mantley[1] |
| Story by | John Meredyth Lucas |
| Produced by | William Conrad |
| Starring | Troy Donahue Joey Heatherton Barry Sullivan |
| Cinematography | Sam Leavitt |
| Edited by | William H. Ziegler |
| Music by | George Duning |
| Color process | Black and white |
Production company | William Conrad Productions |
| Distributed by | Warner Bros |
Release date |
|
Running time | 104 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
Plot
editAfter a car accident, Julie meets a stranger who tells her he is in love with her. The young man, Ben Gunther, believes he and the young woman, Julie Merriday, are the reincarnations of lovers from an earlier time. Ben calls Julie 'Barbara' and gives her a gold locket with her picture in it. Ben takes her sailing and they swim to a cave where he tells her he found the locket. Aunt Sarah confirms Ben's stories that match the family history. Julie's controlling father and boyfriend distrust Ben. He convinces Julie of his beliefs and encourages her to run off with him to marry. Julie's need for independence leads her to say yes to Ben.
On a stormy night the couple sail away to elope. The father calls the Sheriff who discovers Ben's real name is Arthur Maine, an escaped murderer from an insane asylum. The police search for the sailboat by helicopter. Julie finds a diary of Benjamin H. Gunther dated 1874 on the boat that exposes Ben's fraud. Julie is scared but he still professes his love.
To escape the police, the couple land the boat but are seen running on a beach. There is an extended chase and boyfriend Harry tries to reason with 'Ben'. Julie escapes but the two men climb a high sand plant platform and in the struggle Ben falls to his death.
Cast
edit- Troy Donahueas Ben Gunther
- Joey Heathertonas Julie Merriday
- Barry Sullivanas Julian Merriday
- Nicolas Costeras Harry Lindsay
- Jeanette Nolanas Aunt Sarah
- Russell Thorsonas Sheriff
- Ben Wrightas Lansbury
- Shirley Mitchellas Mrs. Courtland
- Howard McNearas Henry
- Howard Wendellas Mayor
- John Hollandas Mr. Courtland
- John McCookas Owen
Production
editThe movie was a considerable change of pace for Donahue. It was shot on the Monterey Peninsula in late 1964.[3][4]
Reception
editBox office
editThe film was profitable.[5]
Critical
editThe Washington Postcalled the film "woolly" and full of plotholes.[6]TheNew York Timescalled it a "wordy, bloodless little Warner chiller."[7]"A blah Troy Donahue and a bad script spoil the show" said theLos Angeles Times.[8]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^"FILMLAND EVENTS: 'Mule for Marquesa' Bought by Columbia".Los Angeles Times.Aug 25, 1964. p. D7.
- ^""My Blood Runs Cold", Internet Movie Database ".RetrievedNovember 16,2023.
- ^Scheuer, Philip K. (Oct 12, 1964). "Trend: Are Movies Going to the Cats?: Chad, Jeremy Meet Beatles; Troy Donahue 'Going Psycho'".Los Angeles Times.p. D18.
- ^"Troy Is Playing New Kind of Role".Los Angeles Times.Nov 2, 1964. p. D22.
- ^Thomas, Kevin. (July 6, 1966). "Conrad Sees Green in Future".Los Angeles Times.p. c9.
- ^Richard L. Coe. (Sep 10, 1965). "A Fate Worse Than Insanity".The Washington Post.p. B37.
- ^Thompson, Howard (Mar 25, 1965). "My Blood Runs Cold' Brings Troy Donahue to the Palace".New York Times.p. 42.
- ^Thomas, Kevin. (Apr 2, 1965). "My Blood Runs Cold' Taps Vein of Banality".Los Angeles Times.p. D14.
External links
edit- My Blood Runs ColdatIMDb
- My Blood Runs Coldat theTCM Movie Database
- My Blood Runs Coldat Letterbox DVD
- My Blood Runs Coldat BFI
- Review of filmatNew York Times
- Review of filmat Cinema Retro