JOHNNY COOL is a bloodbath that never seems to stop. In order to take some of the onus off the nonstop violence, executive producer Peter Lawford called on some of his old pals to make cameo appearances so everyone would know that this wasn't for real. Consequently, the talents of many
gifted people are squandered, including Davis, Sahl, Backus, Savalas, and even such old-timers as Dumbrille, Armstrong and Calleia. Lawrence is a deported Mafia leader in Sicily (like Lucky Luciano) who has a vendetta against several people who were instrumental in getting him shipped back. He
saves the life of Sicilian thug Silva, then grooms him to return to the US to exact vengeance. Silva goes on a killing spree, eliminating many of Lawrence's enemies. In the course of these inhuman events, Silva meets Montgomery (who was married to the producer-director at the time), a rich
divorcee. She joins him in his bloodletting and is severely beaten by some surviving hoodlums as a warning to Silva to cease and desist. The FBI soon takes notice and gets on Silva's trail. Dexter, a Hollywood gangster, is next on Silva's list. His house is bombed, and the police get a make on
Montgomery's car. Montgomery now realizes that Silva's thirst for blood doesn't seem to ever be slaked, so she finks on him to the gang members then turns herself in to the authorities. Silva is later murdered in a bloody conclusion.
JOHNNY COOL seems to have been made for one reason only: to get a bunch of pals together for a good time. They may have had a good time, but anyone watching this picture will be appalled by the gratuitous violence and the "stunt" casting of so many familiar faces. Sammy Davis sings "The Ballad of
Johnny Cool" (Sammy Cahn, Jimmy Van Heusen). leave a comment