Linda Danson Movies
One critic has noted that The Prodigal was aptly titled, inasmuch as it was all too prodigal with the funds of the then-flagging MGM studios. In its retelling of the 22-verse Biblical story of the Prodigal Son, the film helpfully fills in the story details inconsiderately left out of the Old Testament. Edmond Purdon plays Micah, the wastrel son of Eli (Walter Hampden) who takes his share of his father's fortune and blows it all in wicked old Damascus. Micah's one redeeming feature is his unserving faithful in the Lord God Jehovah. Pagan princess Samarra (Lana Turner at her most giddily exotic) intends to seduce Micah into renouncing his faith, only to get stoned to death for her troubles. Nearly two hours pass before Micah returns home and the fatted calf is killed in his honor. If for nothing else, The Prodigal would be memorable for Lana Turner's pagan-ritual costume, which is little more than a glorified bikini. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Lana Turner, Edmund Purdom, (more)
- 1954
Auto mechanic and wannabe race-car driver Eddie Shannon (Mickey Rooney) allows himself to be led perilously astray in Drive a Crooked Road. Responding to the come-hither looks of sexy Barbara Mathews (Dianne Foster), Eddie is inveigled into participating in a bank heist. Things then go from bad to worse to awful for both Eddie and Barbara, victims of circumstance in a larger-scale scheme masterminded by hoodlums Steve Norris (Kevin McCarthy) and Harold Baker (Jack Kelly). Without ever justifying their actions, Drive a Crooked Road manages to engender plenty of audience sympathy for the hapless hero and heroine. The film was written by Blake Edwards and directed by Richard Quine, the same team responsible for such Mickey Rooney comic vehicles as All Ashore and Sound Off! ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Mickey Rooney, Dianne Foster, (more)
- 1953
Jack Broder Productions sidestepped its usual distributor United Artists to release Combat Squad through Columbia. Set in Korea, the film focuses on the strained relationship between WW II veteran Sgt. Fletcher (John Ireland) and inexperienced, terrified Private Martin (Lon McAllister). Only after several confrontations with the enemy is Martin able to overcome his fear of combat. Actual footage of the Korean "police action" is integrated into the action. TV personality Hal March provides the obligatory (and intrusive) comedy relief, while Jill Dansworth, Linda Danson, Neva Gilbert and Eileen Howe do cheesecake duty as a quartet of USO entertainers. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- John Ireland, Lon McCallister, (more)
