This Property Is Condemned

THIS PROPERTY IS CONDEMNED is an interesting romantic comedy from the mid 1960s with plenty going for it. The plot is unusual and pays more attention to the historic backdrop than most, and you can tell that the material comes from Tennessee Williams. Sydney Pollacks directs, and of course is here on the cusp of success with such classics as JEREMIAH JOHNSON (re-teaming him with Redford) in the pipeline. Redford is good, but Natalie Wood makes the movie with a deep, multi-layered character performance that works a treat. You even get Francis Ford Coppola's hand in the script and Charlie Bronson as a supporting cast tough.

This movie is not as well known as some of Wood's or Robert Redford's movies, but it is a classic to be owned and watched over and over. Wood as Alva shines as only she can. When Redford first sees her eyes in the light of the birthday candles, it will take your breath away. The chemistry of these two actors is better than Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. They sizzle!!! RENT IT OR BUY IT TODAY! It will become one of your favorites! Natalie Wood's eyes alone are worth the price of the movie! One of the best parts is when Wood plays the drunk scene...it is well known that the director had to actually get her drunk to help her with the scene. How funny! She looks like a fun drunk.

There's a category of southern drama that has a particular feel to it. You can find it in books like "To Kill a Mockingbird" and movies like this one. The plots are different, but the moods seem to come from the same place. This movie gets it just right. It was obvious there would be a sad ending and I didn't mind. I didn't mind knowing it was coming either. Natalie Wood gets top billing in this movie, and she creates a convincing flirtatious southern belle. Robert Redford is more interesting in his role, however. I'm not sure I've seen him play cynical and laconic in any other role. Redford fans shouldn't miss this one.

I agree with the recent user comments praising this film. It does really portray the Old South well and puts the viewer right there. If you focus on the characters as the plot develops, it does bring on some intense emotions as you root for this poor girl to get free from her Mother and all the forces pulling at her. I disagree with the comments regarding a lack of character development in Dobson. There was no need to develop these characters further. Also, the scenes in New Orleans are integral to the whole point of the story and the film itself, I don' understand the negative feedback about the scenes filmed in New Orleans. Natalie Wood was gorgeous as usual and I think this is one of Robert Redford's best roles. I highly recommend this classic film. I gave it a 9 out of 10.