The Bribe

The Bribe is a classic example of a film that has a good concept and fails at the execution. This is not a spectacular failure, just one that struggles to inject any real fun or intrigue into the proceedings. The best thing about it is the slimy performance by Vincent Price who can do this kind of character effortlessly. It’s also fun to recognize moments from this picture that were later used in an early 80’s Steve Martin homage to film noir detective movies, Dead Men Don’t Wear Plaid. But you know you are in for a rough time when even the dependable Charles Laughton cannot do much with the picture. 

The film is about federal agent Rigby (Robert Taylor) being sent to Central America to uncover a racketeering ring that has been selling and retrofitting war surplus aircraft motors. The chief suspects are Tugwell Hintten (John Hodiak) and his wife Elizabeth (Ava Gardner). He soon discovers that Tugwell is a drunk and Elizabeth is unhappy in their marriage, and looking for a divorce. Soon he is romancing the young woman. Not long after, he is being offered a substantial bribe by a slimeball named Bealer (Charles Laughton) to leave the area. He also suspects a character named Carwood (Vincent Price) of being involved. These suspicions are increased when, on a fishing expedition, Carwood causes an accident that nearly kills Ribgy and ends with the death of their guide, eaten by sharks. 

There is plenty of story here as well as some beautiful set-pieces, but the action is subpar and Robert Taylor often looks like he is just going through the motions a lot of the time. On top of that, he has little chemistry with Gardner and their flirtatious relationship often feels underdeveloped. There isn’t much to the mystery, either. We know early on who the villains are and it is only a matter of time before Rigby puts it all together. The big finale, involving a shootout and a chase during a local celebration with dancing and fireworks is a real highlight but you have to slog through a lot of film to get to that point. Ultimately it isn’t really worth the effort. 1949 - 98 minutes