This is a miscasting masterpiece. Tony Perkins is still the perpetual troubled youth with the reed-like body. First, he is never believable as a married straight man, even in a good film. He is at his best playing neurotic boy men who cannot find their way. Here he is up against the sensual earth mother, Sophia Loren, of all people. Sophia does her best to raise Tony to her level but all for naught. He tries to mentally abuse Sophia and physically gets in a few jabs, slaps mostly. Sophia is much larger than Tony so it all comes off as absurd. She could take him with one punch. Don't tell me a savvy Italian woman like herself didn't shove around a few over zealous American soldiers during the war. She can take care of herself. Tony is only terrifying when he has a weapon and in this one he's weaponless. It's just too dull for words. He looks like he needs to be put to bed with a story and glass of milk. Thank God they didn't waste any technicolor on this one.
Review of Five Miles to Midnight
