AllMovie

You would think that any project with talent like Robert Redford, Sydney Pollack, Tennessee Williams, James Wong Howe, and Francis Ford Coppola would have to be at least above average, but This Property Is Condemned proves that this is not necessarily the case. Property fails as incisive drama, but even worse, it fails as lurid melodrama. It's tawdry and a potboiler, but those words at least imply a kind of fun and a modicum of liveliness. Property is flat and tired, and in spite of the fact that it keeps trying to be steamy, it's not really very sexy. Much of the blame rests with the screenplay, which -- in spite of a few flashes of Williams fire -- just lies there without going much of anyplace. Pollack's direction is similarly lackluster, but even more damaging is the casting of Natalie Wood in the key role. Wood tries very hard, but she's not the sensual wild child/woman that the part demands. Redford is better, but also a bit bland; much better are Kate Reid and Charles Bronson, who imbue their characters with the life and passion that the leads lack. But the best -- and only truly exceptional -- thing about Property is the beautiful, evocative lensing of Howe. Creating gorgeous, textured shots of a deserted rail line or a sepia-toned New Orleans evening, Howe's work gives life to Property -- and even makes you forget Kenyon Hopkins' intrusive and irritating score.