House of Bamboo

This is crime thriller from 1955 that is unique in that it was shot on location in post-war Japan and it is filmed in glorious, super-widescreen Cinemascope. Every frame is full of color and wonderfully composed. Every frame is also filled with ugly American style treatment of the locals. Lots of gangsters raising their voices and demanding, “Hey pal, ya speak English!” This is also the movie where Robert Stack does his, “Who the boss? The head man? …” bit that was parodied in Airplane. Overall this was mediocre yet entertaining plot that’s bolstered by stunning visuals.