My Blood Runs Cold is a 1965 American neo noir dark thriller film starring Troy Donahue, Joey Heatherton and Barry Sullivan. It was directed by William 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 Donahue as Ben Gunther
- Joey Heatherton as Julie Merriday
- Barry Sullivan as Julian Merriday
- Nicolas Coster as Harry Lindsay
- Jeanette Nolan as Aunt Sarah
- Russell Thorson as Sheriff
- Ben Wright as Lansbury
- Shirley Mitchell as Mrs. Courtland
- Howard McNear as Henry
- Howard Wendell as Mayor
- John Holland as Mr. Courtland
- John McCook as 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 Post called the film "woolly" and full of plotholes.[6] The New York Times called it a "wordy, bloodless little Warner chiller."[7] "A blah Troy Donahue and a bad script spoil the show" said the Los 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". Retrieved November 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 Cold at IMDb
- My Blood Runs Cold at the TCM Movie Database
- My Blood Runs Cold at Letterbox DVD
- My Blood Runs Cold at BFI
- Review of film at New York Times
- Review of film at Cinema Retro