Johnny Cool - Henry Silva - Elizabeth Montgomery 1963 Noir Classic

Johnny Cool is a violent 1963 Noir Film about revenge. It depicts a different organized-crime. A more modern organized organized-crime that operates in legal ways. This picture was directed by William Asher, and is based on the novel by John McPartland "The Kingdom of Johnny Cool." This great feature stars Henry Silva and also Elizabeth Montgomery.

Produced by Peter Lawford, Johnny Cool features an interesting cast of characters. Some of Johnny's associates, and victims, include Richard Anderson, Telly Savalas, Jim Backus, Joey Bishop, Mort Sahl, and Sammy Davis, Jr. Sammy also sings the theme song.

The plot has an exiled American gangster named Colini, living in Sicily, he arranges to rescue Giordano, a young Sicilian outlaw, from the police. Colini promises the young Giordano, now the new 'Johnny Cool that he'll inherit his empire and become wealthy and all powerful if he accepts Colini's terms. After Giordano is groomed, polished, and renamed "Johnny Cool," Colini sends him on a vengeance mission to the United States to assassinate the men who plotted against him, and forced him into exile.

Johnny arrives in New York and the carnage begins, over a three day period he kills several

of the underworld figures on Colini's list. His actions are deliberate and ruthless, his

rampage of revenge for Colini is daring and devastatingly quick. During his mission he picks

up a young woman who inadvertently becomes his accomplice. Her infatuation with Johnny is intense, however, she becomes his unknowing downfall.

This picture is a must-see because of all of the notable people involved.

It's a bit dark and moody, typical of the early 1960's, but Sammy Davis, Jr's. small part and singing make it all the more worth watching.

I'll rate it above average and give it 3½ Stars.