Ada (1961)

The stars of this movie caught my eye when I checked this out of my local library, otherwise, I probably would have avoided it since it was such an obscure title. I just watched it with my mom who enjoyed it. I did too though I noticed it skimped on some details concerning the way corruption is possibly handled in politics. But it's fun seeing Dean Martin, Susan Hayward, and Wilfrid Hyde-White spar on screen as well as Ralph Meeker and Martin Balsam also around when it comes time to pick the good guys and the bad. Don't know if Dean's character is based on anyone from my home state of Louisiana who was elected governor but it's interesting when he's compared to some of them in other reviews on this site. Anyway, that's a recommendation of Ada.

I must tell you up front that Susan Hayward is among my least favorite actresses. Part of it is that sometimes she tended to overact (such as in "I Want to Live" where she mugged shamelessly). Part of it is that in the 1960s she made a lot of trashy soap opera- like films which were anything but subtle--such as "The Valley of the Dolls". I mention all this now because I did have a certain predisposition towards her and "Ada" when I began watching. Now this is NOT to say I can't enjoy the film or even her performance. Heck, I saw another one of her films, "Summer Flight", last night and enjoyed it immensely. Plus, surprise, surprise, this film was VERY soapy, VERY loud and still VERY enjoyable!When the film begins, Bo Gillis (Dean Martin) is running for governor. Along the way, he meets Ada (Susan Hayward) and pretty soon the pair are hitting the sheets! Ada is evidently NOT a nice girl and Bo is, well, just doing to her what most politicians want to do to the voters! However, surprisingly, Bo's interest is apparently NOT just sex and he soon whisks her away and they are married. Bo's handlers aren't happy, however--who is this woman and what is her past and, most importantly, what will be her impact on their candidate?! In essence, they treat her a bit like something the cat just drug in the house! What the film doesn't make clear until much later is that Ada is a prostitute...not just a woman of easy virtue.Soon Bo is elected governor. Things look great. However, over time, Bo comes to realize that he is rather powerless and his adviser Sylvester (Wilfred Hyde-White) is trying to pull all the strings. As for Ada, despite her white trash background, she actually turns out to be VERY adept in dealing with people and playing the role of the First Lady of the State. She and the new Lieutenant Governor are both worried...as Sylvester appears to be a real snake! So what's next for Snake-boy and the Gillis family? And, what about the OTHER snakes...and there are definitely more! Watch the film and see...In the case of "Ada", Susan Hayward was well chosen. While the tough-as-nails broad with more manliness in her than a football team persona won't work in all films, here it's absolutely perfect! Seeing her heading into the governor's office to clean house is very exciting to watch--as is her eventual run-in with Sylvester. He's a snake...but she turns out to be a real mongoose! In effect, it's sort of like "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" and a soap opera merged into one! Sensationalistic, a bit sleazy and a lot of fun to watch on a real low-brow level. And, most importantly, it's NEVER dull!! Who cares if it lacks realism...it really doesn't matter!

Apon viewing this film I felt a number of different emotions. I really didn't intend to watch this film at all. However, once I started I was quite anxious to find out how it ended.The plot for the movie was interesting. A tramp marries the man running for governor three weeks prior to the election day, and they proceed to clean-up corruption in politics, when he is elected. The first thing I thought was how hypocritical. He was elected by crooks and then decided he didn't like them. That, of course, made me think of Wilson, President Wilson. He did the same thing. So I dismissed that notion. If Wilson can do it, it's not too bad.Next as the film went on I began to wonder why they ever got married. Susan Hayward(redhead) and Dean Martin(lounge singer) didn't seem to be an ideal couple in my mind. I must say, they didn't look too odd next to each other. Their "marriage" was not a healthy one to say the least. They did work well in their roles. I enjoyed Susan's ruthless determination and Dean's clueless and laid back attitude. I think an already established acting couple or a couple that looks like they could have a relationship off stage would have been better. I felt like they weren't right together. Nonetheless, they did a good job.The final thing was the ending. It really bothered me. There was something missing. Like dialogue or a kiss or some form of interaction besides looking at each other. The scene was wonderful. I loved the whole Congress session. But it was like the writer gave up on ending the relationship between the main characters. He/She (I don't remember who wrote it) thought we didn't care what they did as long as they were together. That may be, but I need more than a hand shake to show that they are happy together.This is really a good film. I love Hayward. Her characters are so passionate and devoted. That really worked well. The "angry" scenes were stifled because Dean's not a "yeller." In this role it appears he lacks the drive to get angry. In all, Susan steals the show and lays every thing on the line to win our hearts and Dean's.

My pet peeve about some films is that they are supposed to be period pieces, but have the 'look' of the year in which they were filmed. This is the case with 'Ada.' We are to believe that it takes place in the 1930's, but Susan Hayward's wardrobe and hairstyle reflect the year it was made, 1961.The ending also bugs me. After a big showdown in the Capitol building, Susan and Dean Martin leave the building and are shown ALL ALONE. Where did everyone else go? There were hundreds of people in the building just minutes before!!!!!