The local police do their part knocking on doors, attempting to identify people who might have an ax to grind with the President. One house causes some concern because it’s situated on a hill above the station; perfect for an ambush. Sheriff Shaw laughs at the notion. After all, the widow Ellen Benson (Nancy Gates) lives there with her energetic, young son Pidge (Kim Charney) and her father-in-law Pop Benson (James Gleason). Since Pop used to be in the Service himself, surely the family doesn’t pose a problem. Even so, FBI agent John Baron (Frank Sinatra) drops by, with his colleagues Benny Conklin (Paul Frees) and Bart Wheeler (Christopher Dark) drop by to check the place out. Though they declare the place safe, John and his men announce they will stay on watch at the house throughout the Presidential transfer.
Pop is intrigued by all the activity since he once protected a President. The valley below is crawling with activity; agents checking every vehicle and store. Tod arrives at the house with the head of the Secret Service. As soon as Ellen mentions the presence of the FBI agents, Baron pulls a gun and shoots wildly. Baron explains to the shocked witnesses that he and his two partners are the assassins everyone has feared.
Baron is a real psychopath who is being paid $500,000 for the hit. He believes that assassinating the President will make him a real somebody. He tells the hostages he was important during the war because as a sniper he killed 27 Germans and earned a Silver Star. Tod engages with Baron in a lot of idle chatter, as the Sherriff attempts reverse psychology in an attempt to prevent the would-be-assassin from causing any more carnage. Nonetheless, the methodical Baron is determined to go through with his diabolical plan even after things begin to unravel. Though the plot seems implausible in certain areas—I’m not sure how three men were successfully able to pose as FBI agents with Secret Service everywhere—and the action is largely contained to the house, the pacing set by director Lewis Allen and the strong performance by Frank Sinatra, helps to pull the story off reasonably well.
The tension in the house continues to build throughout the day, even as Baron slowly begins to fall apart. It’s Sinatra’s performance that really gives Suddenly its edge. He slowly reveals his characters weaknesses. By the end of the film, Baron has been stripped of his tough exterior, revealed to be little more than a neurotic weasel.
Unfortunately, the rest of the cast doesn’t come close to matching the intensity of Frank Sinatra’s performance. Though a big guy, Sterling Hayden comes across as wooden throughout much of the film. While he does loosen up a bit as his character begins to unravel Baron, you never get a real sense that he’s taken control of the situation. Veteran B actor, James Gleason, (Arsenic and Old Lace) is the only other recognizable face. Nancy Gates is rather dull as the victim/heroine.
Like much of the rest of the nation, Frank Sinatra was shocked, when on November 22, 1963; President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, Texas. When Sinatra learned that Lee Harvey Oswald had watched Suddenly on the evening before he shot and killed the President, he demanded that the film be withdrawn from distribution. The film’s copyright was not renewed and it fell into the public domain. While Suddenly isn’t a perfect film by a long shot, it’s nice to have the opportunity to see Frank Sinatra in a really solid acting performance.
Shown in the 1:37.1 aspect ratio, Image Entertainment’s transfer shows rounded corners. For some, the extra headspace will make the transfer look “incorrect.” Beyond that, the image looks rather smooth with occasional darkness creeping into the proceedings. I’m pleased to report that I only noticed a few instances of scratches and debris. Suddenly was transferred from the original 35mm studio fine grain master print.
The Dolby Digital 2.0 audio track is perfectly acceptable. You will notice a faint echo on occasion, but other than that, the dialogue remains clear throughout.
English subtitles are available.
The following special features are included:
- New Audio Commentary by Frank Sinatra, Jr.: The legendary entertainer’s son offers up some of his father’s thoughts on the film, as well as his own.
- New Audio Commentary by Dr. Drew Casper, Professor of American Film: As usual, Casper offers a thoughtful, informative commentary about the film’s themes. If you want to learn about the nuts and bolts of Suddenly, you’ll want to give this track a listen.
- Short Film by Francis Thompson: N.Y., N.Y.: A Day in New York (1957) (15 min) With almost no dialogue, Thompson takes a through s day in life of the people in New York City.
