Somehow it didn't sound believable when Gertie La Rue told her pal - "Don't worry honey, I'm through with all men". More like 'I'm through with them for tonight, time to get some rest'.
Apparently Gertie (Francine Everett) was on the run from Harlem and an abusive relationship, landing on the island of Rinidad (not a typo) where she's welcomed for a musical revue at Diamond Joe's Paradise Hotel. In tow are members of her entourage and a couple of boys in uniform who shower Gertie with affection and the materialistic things she loves - rings, diamonds and jewelry.
One can't help feel there's an ominous shadow following Gertie around on the island, as a piano player from her past is forbidden to play one of her old tunes, and her lifestyle comes under attack by the self righteous Jonathan Christian, a holy roller if I ever saw one who practically convulses when he sees Gertie delve into her act. Christian vows to get her off the island, and isn't above striking her after interfering with her rather innocent strip tease. At least innocent enough for this flick, she only got her elbow length gloves off before the good Christian caused a scene.
Directed by Spenser Williams, I'm still scratching my head over his own role in the film as Old Hager, a fortune teller dressed as a woman, but with a decidedly masculine voice. There was a hint of voodoo in his characterization, but the picture never really went in that direction. When the abusive 'Al' from Harlem arrived, he put an end to Gertie's flirtations in a rather permanent way, a somewhat shocking ending I must say, considering the breezy feel of the picture up till that final moment.
Apparently Gertie (Francine Everett) was on the run from Harlem and an abusive relationship, landing on the island of Rinidad (not a typo) where she's welcomed for a musical revue at Diamond Joe's Paradise Hotel. In tow are members of her entourage and a couple of boys in uniform who shower Gertie with affection and the materialistic things she loves - rings, diamonds and jewelry.
One can't help feel there's an ominous shadow following Gertie around on the island, as a piano player from her past is forbidden to play one of her old tunes, and her lifestyle comes under attack by the self righteous Jonathan Christian, a holy roller if I ever saw one who practically convulses when he sees Gertie delve into her act. Christian vows to get her off the island, and isn't above striking her after interfering with her rather innocent strip tease. At least innocent enough for this flick, she only got her elbow length gloves off before the good Christian caused a scene.
Directed by Spenser Williams, I'm still scratching my head over his own role in the film as Old Hager, a fortune teller dressed as a woman, but with a decidedly masculine voice. There was a hint of voodoo in his characterization, but the picture never really went in that direction. When the abusive 'Al' from Harlem arrived, he put an end to Gertie's flirtations in a rather permanent way, a somewhat shocking ending I must say, considering the breezy feel of the picture up till that final moment.