The Lady in the Car with Glasses and a Gun (1970)

The Lady in the Car with Glasses and a Gun Poster
Original Title: La Dame dans l'auto avec des lunettes et un fusil

Dany Longo is blonde, beautiful, disturbed, passionate--and nearsighted. As she speeds through the south of France in a purloined Thunderbird on an errand for her employer and his wife, no one, including Dany herself, knows where she is headed--or why she is going there.

Film Overview
"The Lady in the Car with Glasses and a Gun" is a French mystery thriller film launched in 1970. Directed by Anatole Litvak, the film stars Samantha Eggar, Oliver Reed, and John McEnery. The film is based on an unique published in 1966 by Sébastien Japrisot, representing a quintessential tale of thriller, intrigue, and mental exploration.

Plot Summary
The film begins with the primary character, Dany Longo (Samantha Eggar) working as a secretary for Michel Caravaille (Oliver Reed), a wealthy business owner. Dany, a demure and shy girl, is constantly seen donning glasses and working diligently on her typewriter. One evening, Michel appoints Dany to provide a Cadillac cars and truck to his mansion in San Jorio, France. Despite never ever leaving Paris and being fearful of driving, Dany unwillingly accepts.

After providing the car, Dany chooses to treat herself to a little getaway and goes on a drive across the French countryside. Unforeseen situations put her in the midst of a murder investigation when a male's body is discovered in the trunk of the Cadillac. Local police suspect Dany due to her unforeseeable journey and the reality that the murder occurred in the exact same town she was visiting.

Adding to her situation, Dany continually experiences people who declare to have seen her the day before, although she had only just gotten here in town. This baffling situation further escalades her paranoia and worry, leading her to question the reality and her sanity.

Cast Performances
Samantha Eggar, as the tormented Dany, provides a remarkable performance. Her character's developing sense of fear and self-doubt is credibly portrayed. Oliver Reed plays the manipulative Michel Caravaille with gusto, adding to the suspense curve of the film.

Cinematic Style and Impact
Anatole Litvak utilizes a non-linear narrative, linking Dany's perplexing experiences with flashbacks improving the psychological stress. The efficiencies are underlined by the ominous and atmospheric score made up by Michel Legrand. The movie's setting in the picturesque French countryside provides a plain contrast to the tense and complex story.

Conclusion
In general, "The Lady in the Car with Glasses and a Gun" is a fascinating mental thriller that informs a tale of deceit, fear, and thriller. Its uncertain narrative and the haunting character study of a female in crisis leave viewers on the edge of their seat. The movie's depiction of a lady's frenzied quest for reality makes it an appealing watch, despite the rather bleak and disturbing plot twists and turns. Eventually, the movie showcases an intense exploration of human mind while engulfed in a chilling and strange whirlpool of events.

Top Cast

  • Samantha Eggar (small)
    Samantha Eggar
    Danielle 'Dany' Lang
  • John McEnery (small)
    John McEnery
    Philippe
  • Oliver Reed (small)
    Oliver Reed
    Michael Caldwell
  • Stéphane Audran (small)
    Stéphane Audran
    Anita Caldwell
  • Bernard Fresson (small)
    Bernard Fresson
    Jean
  • Marcel Bozzuffi (small)
    Marcel Bozzuffi
    Manuel
  • Billie Dixon
    Tall Girl
  • Philippe Nicaud (small)
    Philippe Nicaud
    Highway Policeman
  • Martine Kelly (small)
    Martine Kelly
    Kiki
  • André Oumansky (small)
    André Oumansky
    Bernard
  • Gilberte Géniat (small)
    Gilberte Géniat
    Village Storekeeper