RUBY was one of the last horror films by Curtis Harrington, who directed several notable “horror of personality” films in the 1960s (e.g., GAMES, WHAT”S THE MATTER WITH HELEN) and the atmospheric piece NIGHT TIDE. Although RUBY is not up to that level of achievement (thanks to interference from a producer who wanted an exploitation horror film), the film does feature a fine lead performance by Piper Laurie as the titular character, Ruby Claire, a one-time gangster’s moll who has old mob members toiling at her drive-in in the ‘50s. Ruby’s paramour, Nick (Sal Vecchio), was murdered by his fellow mobsters, and now his spirit comes back to wreak its revenge.
Executive produced by Steve Krantz, RUBY was long available on video only in a butchered version that was re-edited (and apparently partially re-shot by director Stephanie Rothman) for television, deleting the R-rated violence and adding new dialogue scenes. VCI’s DVD presents the film in its original theatrical version; however, this is not a director’s cut: it contains Krantz’s abrupt, horror ending rather than Harrington’s intended romantic one.
William Mendenhall did not meet with Harrington’s approval as the film’s cinematographer; reportedly several scenes were shot out-of-focus and had to be re-done, but the look of the print on VCI’s DVD is pristine. It is presented widescreen, but not anamorphic, with bright colors and a very clear picture.
Harrington worked with his long-time collaborator George Edwards, who ensured that the film has a rich visual look, reminiscent of Harrington’s inspiration, Joseph von Sternberg, despite having only a roughly $600,000 budget. Edwards was greatly aided in this endeavor by art director and costume designer Tom Rasmussen. Edwards also co-wrote the script from a story by Krantz, who clearly wanted the film to capitalize on the success of THE EXORCIST and CARRIE, and so elements from those films were incorporated.
While RUBY is no lost masterwork, it does have some fairly effective scare scenes and several notably eerie moments as the members of Nick’s mob meet their various demises and as Nick’s spirit begins to take possession of Ruby’s mute daughter Leslie (fashion designer Janit Baldwin). Stuart Whitman provides able support as Vince Kemper, Ruby’s current boyfriend and manager of the drive-in.
Harrington wanted Jack LaRue to play the part of an old, blind gangster, but was unable to convince Krantz to pony up the additional $1,000 it would have taken to hire him. Roger Davis shines as the parapsychologist who was supposed to be relating this tale and who ultimately helps guide the former lovers’ to their final reconciliation.
Harrington makes good use of the drive-in location, which is featuring Allison Hayes in ATTACK OF THE FIFTY FOOT WOMAN.* We see couples necking, kids playing tricks, going to the snack bar, trying to sneak past the ticket booth, and other traditional drive-in tropes. In an especially memorable but amusing bit, a large woman goes to a soda dispensing machine and receives a cup of blood rather than her expected soda (a scene mostly trimmed from the TV re-edit of the film).
The bonus features on the disc are notable as well. In addition to the usual theatrical trailer (which showcases the more exploitable elements as well as the imposed Krantz footage that uses a double for Laurie), the disc features a warm commentary by Harrington and Laurie. Though not as detailed as one would like, it shows both director and lead enjoying the opportunity to re-experience the film in its theatrical cut. Laurie, who prior to CARRIE hadn’t made a movie since her excellent work in THE HUSTLER fifteen years earlier, reveals that her role here won her the part in the Mel Gibson film TIM, which features her playing a very different kind of character.
Better than the commentary, however, is a lengthy interview with Harrington conducted by Cinefantastique Online’s own David Del Valle, who has coaxes Harrington into revealing plenty of information about his career and work on macabre movies, beginning with detailing how Harrington had intended RUBY to end and how the ending was changed. Harrington, who died in May, 2007, remains something of a cult director who got his start in experimental movies, and it is great seeing his work the attention and respect that it deserves.
RUBY (1977, DVD released by VCI Entertainment, 2001). Directed by Curtis Harrington. Written by George Edwards and Barry Schneider, story by Steve Krantz. Executive Produced by Steve Krantz. Produced by George Edwards. Cast: Piper Laurie, Stuart Whitman, Janit Baldwin, Roger Davis.
FOOTNOTE:
- The use of 1958’s ATTACK OF THE 50 FOOT WOMAN is a bit of an anachronism, as RUBY is supposed to be set in the early ’50s.