Review of Sois belle et tais-toi

A film that has a promising beginning but becomes rather tedious and tiresome. The previous reviewer has suggested that the premature death of leading man Henri Vidal paved the way for Delon and Belmondo. That is highly debatable! Vidal's performance here is enhanced by the chemistry between him and his ravishing co-star Mylene Demongeot. The 1950's were to prove by far the best period for this irresistible and talented actress. Roger Hanin is marvellously menacing as the villain and his persona was to be used to great effect as the homosexual boxing promoter in Visconti's 'Rocco and his Brothers'. Alain Delon had made his debut for Marc Allegret's brother Yves in 'When the Devil fails...' and would go on to become with the help of Clement, Visconti and Antonioni, a very fine actor in spite of his good looks. As for Darry Cowl, although one can admire his comedy timing his particular brand of buffoonery has never been to my taste but that is just my opinion. This film has been lumbered with the title 'Blonde for Danger' and one can only surmise that the original 'Be beautiful and shut up' would not have gone down too well with non-European audiences. The history of Cinema is littered with films that should have been 'better' and this I'm afraid, is one of them.