Pier 5, Havana (1959)

Historically interesting if nothing else, 14 April 2020

Steve Daggett (Cameron Mitchell) heads to post-revolutionary Cuba to look for a missing friend.  He’s no more than off the plane when he’s mixed-up with some baddies who may have more sinister intentions than kidnapping his friend.  He’s also mixed up with an old flame, Monica Gray (Allison Hayes), which is bound to lead to even more problems. Can he find his friend, not get killed, and still get the girl?

As soon as I saw Cameron MItchell’s name in the credits, I knew I wanted to see Pier 5, Havana.  I”ve been a fan since I was a kid watching The HIgh Chaparral. Throw in Allison Hayes and I’m definitely watching.  Overall, Pier 5, Havana falls into that harmless class of wishy-washy films I rate a 5/10. It's enjoyable enough, but nothing to really get overly excited about.  Some of the pro-Castro sentiments in the film are incredibly interesting. Also, some of the street scenes filmed in and around Havana and the aerial shots of downtown Havana are truly  special. This is a film that could only have been made at this exact time in history.

As for the movie, like I said, it’s okay.  Most of the plot is interesting enough (helped by a very short 67 minute runtime), the action works, and Mitchell comes out looking fine.  The movie also has a noirish quality to it that i really enjoyed. As for what didn’t work quite as well, I’ll start with Hayes. In a word, she’s awful.  Several of her scenes with Eduardo Noriega are cringe-inducing they’re so bad. And even though I enjoyed the plot, I admit it is a bit uneven and predictable.  Still, despite the faults, I’m glad I finally got around to watching this one.

5/10