Watch A Cold Wind In August

A Cold Wind in August is a 1961 American drama film directed by Alexander Singer and written by John T. Kelly. The movie stars Lola Albright, Scott Marlowe, and Joe De Santis. The film follows the story of an aging burlesque dancer, Iris, who strikes up a romantic relationship with a young drifter, Frank. Iris has been dancing for quite some time but is no longer as desirable as she once was. She meets Frank, who is 17 years younger than her, outside a burlesque theater and invites him to her apartment where she lives with her cat, Kibitzer. Frank is hesitant at first but eventually agrees, and the two strike up a friendship that slowly evolves into a romantic relationship.

As they spend more time together, Frank starts to experience some hesitation as he struggles to come to terms with the idea of a relationship with someone who could be his mother, leading to complications that arise later in the film.

The film deals with themes such as sexuality, ageism, and love. The relationship between Iris and Frank is explored quite deeply, and it is shown that they both have very different needs and desires. Despite the age difference and societal stereotypes, they both find a connection with each other that they had not anticipated.

Lola Albright delivers an excellent performance as Iris, depicting the character's sense of fear and vulnerability. Her charismatic personality and inner strength are palpable in some scenes, making her all the more relatable to the audience. The burlesque scenes in the movie are portrayed with grace and elegance, and the film is made in a way that it neither glamorizes nor disparages the art of burlesque.

Scott Marlowe plays Frank with raw intensity, portraying him as a free-spirited drifter confused about his own feelings. Marlowe's chemistry with Albright is palpable, and they both do an excellent job in conveying the physical and emotional dynamics of the relationship between Frank and Iris.

Joe De Santis's character, Charlie, is the one who initially calls attention to the possible taboo nature of Iris and Frank's relationship. Through his character, the film examines how society judges unconventional relationships and how that becomes a stumbling block in the path of love.

One significant aspect of the movie is the portrayal of the various characters living in poverty. Both Iris and Frank are struggling to make ends meet, living in small apartments and taking on odd jobs to get by. The movie depicts the sense of desperation that comes with living in the lower-middle-class and the precarious nature of the characters' lives.

The film's overall tone is melancholic, and the ending is bittersweet, making the audience feel both sorrow and happiness. The film raises the question of whether age should be a determining factor in a relationship and how society perceives people who date outside of what is considered socially acceptable.

A Cold Wind in August is a poignant movie and a great example of how a story with unconventional themes can be portrayed in a non-judgmental manner. The movie is a must-watch for fans of drama, romance, and those looking for a nuanced portrayal of love and relationships. It is a timeless classic that deserves more attention and recognition than it has received over the years.

A Cold Wind In August is a 1961 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 20 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6.