The Betsy (X), August 1979

(USA, 1978: director Daniel Petrie)

LAURENCE OLIVIER, ROBERT DUVALL, KATHERINE ROSS.  The “Betsy” of the title is not Chandlerese for a .38 revolver, but for a new car being designed by the giant Bethlehem Corporation of Detroit, and named after the chairman’s daughter.  (I’m not sure I’d drive a car with a name like that – it smacks a bit of Disneyland – but perhaps, like Raymond Chandler’s betsy it has six cylinders, a good silencer and is dangerous in the wrong hands.)  Anyway, I digress.  I must admit I don’t like the writing of Harold Robbins (from whose book the film is derived), but for those who go for his Woman’s Own out of Penthouse style, all the ingredients are here: it’s the homosexual son – fired by father – finds father in bed with wife – shoots himself – seen by his son plot.  The film gets about as close to the Detroit motor industry as Playschool does to the specialist shops in Soho, but it does put across its author’s predilection for corruption and incest.  I felt that the film lurked behind corners, only occasionally coming out to apologise for itself rather sheepishly.  Still, you probably like ‘Arold better than I do.  Plus cartoon APE SUZETTE (U).  (programme 134 minutes)

Tickets for all performances 70p and £1.00

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