Saadia

Rita Gam was an exotic looking beauty who shot from a bit part in her first movie (as "The Girl") to the female lead in this, her second film. How does one rise so rapidly through the Hollywood ranks? Perhaps being married to director Sidney Lumet had something to do with it? "Saadia" is fairly wooden at parts, but it's not Rita's fault. She gives a spirited performance as the object of two men's love. The only other life in this movie is provided by Wanda Rotha, as a voodoo wielding rival to Rita. Cornel Wilde & Mel Ferrer, who are friends in the film & act as if they're afraid to hurt each other's feelings, have hurt the audiences feelings by being almost too dull to watch. I rate it 5/10.