Tony Rome, a tough Miami PI living on a houseboat, is hired by a local millionaire to find jewelry stolen from his daughter, and in the process has several encounters with local hoods as well as the Miami Beach PD.
Acting
Sinatra's effortless cool carries every ridiculous line.
Cinematography
Miami Beach location shooting is a mid-century time capsule.
Score
Billy May's brassy jazz swings harder than the punches.
Director
Gordon Douglas
Frank Sinatra
Tony Rome
Jill St. John
Ann Archer
Richard Conte
Lt. Dave Santini
Gena Rowlands
Rita Kosterman
Simon Oakland
Rudy Kosterman
Robert J. Wilke
Ralph Turpin
Sue Lyon
Diana Pines
Jeffrey Lynn
Adam Boyd
Lloyd Bochner
Vic Rood
Virginia Vincent
Sally Bullock
Joan Shawlee
Fat Candy
Lloyd Gough
Jules Langley
Elisabeth Fraser
Irene (misidentified as "Irma" in credits)
Jeanne Cooper
Lorna Boyd
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
This kicked off a brief neo-noir wave for Sinatra, followed by The Detective and Lady in Cement, essentially franchising his middle-aged cool guy persona.
The houseboat was a real vessel docked at Miami's Biscayne Bay; Sinatra reportedly hated filming there and complained constantly about the humidity.
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Reactions from the web
The first 10 seconds had me laughing my ass off. But damn, I love Sinatra.
@elk_mcgrath_photography 25
My favorite Sinatra. The hat and suit. What class en style. Love it.
@olblueeyes1915 11
Seeing Sinatra as a struggling guy just trying to get by (not helped by his gambling habit) and driving a 6 year old weathered convertible is kind of weird. He was perfect for the part, the dialogue is really good. Richard Conti as Santini his police pal is great as well. The follow up film "Lady In Cement" is not quite as good. As of Jan, 2023 Gena Rowlands is still alive at 92. She is John Cassevettes widow. They were married almost 35 years. Jill St John is also still around.
@muffs55mercury61 6
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