A bellhop living with his mentally impaired brother becomes involved with an unbalanced woman and a scheme to steal guests' valuables.
Acting
Koteas channels Dean-era desperation with unpredictable danger.
Writing
Jim Thompson adaptation that refuses to sanitize noir cruelty.
Production
Nevada desert hotel as purgatory, shot on grimy 35mm.
Director
Steven Shainberg
Elias Koteas
Sonny Rose
Laure Marsac
Monique Roux
Jay Leggett
Leroy Rose
Bruce Ramsay
Del Towbridge
Kevin J. O'Connor
Cougar
Philip Baker Hall
Lenny Ish
J.C. Quinn
Fred Bascomb
Haing S. Ngor
Billy Tungpet
William H. Macy
Policeman
Jack Conley
Mr. Ish's Bodyguard
Arthur Senzy
Peter Stillwell
Vanessa Marquez
Housekeeper
Roberta Bassin
Mennonite Woman (uncredited)
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Jay Leggett, who plays Leroy, was primarily a comedian; this was his rare dramatic turn before his untimely death.
Part of the 1990s Thompson revival alongside After Dark, My Sweet and The Grifters—studio noir's last gasp before prestige TV took over.
US
