Stateline Motel (1973)

Stateline Motel Poster
Original Title: L'ultima chance

After robbing a jewellery shop in Canada, two Americans arrange a meeting near the US borders in order to split the loot. One of them has an accident with his car on his way there and gets stuck in an isolated motel until his car is fixed. The owner of the motel, a sexy woman in her thirties, falls in love with him, but her suspicions about him begin to multiply, as the police arrive at the motel...

Introduction
"Stateline Motel" is a 1973 Italian-French crime movie directed by Maurizio Lucidi. The movie boasts a strong cast with actors like Fabio Testi, Eli Wallach, and Ursula Andress. It's a gripping story that informs the tale of bravado, deceit, and revenge. The structure of the film is similar to the gritty criminal activity underworld illustrated in 1970s motion pictures, rich with thriller and interesting characters.

Plot and Setting
The motion picture begins with Joe (Fabio Testi) and his accomplice Floyd (Eli Wallach), who pull off an amazing headdress robbery. They steal millions worth of emeralds and hide them within the structure of a Heinkel car, with the intent of crossing the Canada-America border. Their plan unwinds when the car breaks down near the Stateline Motel. The males decide to conceal the gems in the snowbound landscape, awaiting the ideal chance to gather them. However, things don't go as planned when their lorry, together with their hidden loot, gets towed suddenly.

Character Portrayal and Development
In the Stateline Motel, Joe experiences a lovely woman named Michelle (Ursula Andress), who is enigmatic and roguishly captivating. As the plot evolves, a passionate triangle drama emerges. Joe, Floyd, and Michelle play off each other as they browse the rough waters of deceit and control. Suspicion and stress between them increase with each passing hour, culminating in a remarkable showdown.

The three characters are complicated and layered, each bringing an unique strength to the movie. Joe is depicted as a drover with a compelling criminal past. His accomplice, Floyd, is a seasoned criminal driven by greed. On the other hand, Michelle, a lovely yet cunning woman, twists the plot by controling both men, throwing them off-balance.

Conflict and Resolution
The main conflict occurs from the underlying layer of fear and mistrust between the trio. Paranoia escalates as each member starts believing the others of double-crossing them. The theft and the subsequent deceptiveness cause a fatal face-off with unforeseen turns.

The film's conclusion is marked by a fatal face-off in between Floyd and Joe. The ruthless gunfight ends with Floyd being killed, leaving Joe and Michelle to look after themselves. However, Joe, who's critically hurt, catches his wounds, leaving Michelle as the last individual standing. Ultimately, her smart manipulation and deceit pay off, and she recovers the covert emeralds, handling to leave with the loot unnoticed.

Conclusion
"Stateline Motel" is an appealing cinematic work from the 1970s, typified by taut and suspenseful storytelling. This gritty Italian-French criminal offense movie, revolving around a headdress theft, treachery, and double-crossing, holds the viewers' attention throughout. An important aspect of the plot is the extreme stress that permeates the relationships between the protagonist, which is effectively portrayed by the talented ensemble cast. The climax is both shocking and unanticipated, leaving Michelle triumphant and winning the emeralds, effectively outmaneuvering her criminal counterparts.

Top Cast

  • Eli Wallach (small)
    Eli Wallach
    Joe
  • Ursula Andress (small)
    Ursula Andress
    Michelle Nolton
  • Fabio Testi (small)
    Fabio Testi
    Floyd
  • Barbara Bach (small)
    Barbara Bach
    Emily
  • Massimo Girotti (small)
    Massimo Girotti
    Fred Norton
  • Carlo De Mejo (small)
    Carlo De Mejo
    Albert
  • Howard Ross (small)
    Howard Ross
    Jack, the Mechanic (as Howard Ross)
  • Céline Lomez (small)
    Céline Lomez
    Waitress
  • Susanna Onofri
    Myriam
  • Luigi Antonio Guerra (small)
    Luigi Antonio Guerra
  • Frank von Kuegelgen
    Jack (voice) (uncredited)