Machine Gun McCain

John Cassavetes stars as Hank McCain, an old-school criminal in the new order of organized crime, in this unusual 1969 gangster flick—a mix of mob movie and heist film shot largely on location in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas. Peter Falk costars as Charlie Adamo, a West Coast mobster trying to muscle into the Vegas casinos, who has McCain sprung to mastermind a heist, while Britt Ekland plays Irene, a Vegas hooker whom McCain impulsively marries and makes his sexy partner in crime when he decides to go maverick. Indie icon Cassavetes' offbeat characterization, full of jaunty attitude and unpredictable reactions, gives this otherwise underwritten film a quirky energy. Cassavetes shares no scenes with his buddy and frequent collaborator Falk but does connect in the third act with his real-life wife and frequent costar Gena Rowlands as an old flame, when his impulsive actions pull the mob's wrath down upon them all. While it's hardly a masterpiece, this Italian-American cinematic cocktail boasts some great flavors in the mix, thanks to the star and to the unraveling chaos that director Giuliano Montaldo follows to the bitter end. DVD/Blu-ray extras include an interview with Montaldo, and trailers. A strong optional purchase. (S. Axmaker)