Neon Signs (1996) Online

This minor little film that never saw the big screen is interesting mainly for it's cast. It is a treat indeed to see the the three leads - William Smith, Carol Lynley and Barbara McNair. These old pros have a wonderful and effortless chemistry together - especially the on-screen jibbing and bickering of Lynley and McNair (who have the telling names of two of the virtues - Grace and Faith). They offer delightful performances that belie the serious undertones of their on-screen crime spree. Add a grizzled (and rather sad) performance by Smith and you have enough talent to offset the attractive but lack-luster lead (Matt Dotson) and an uneven script. The low-budget adds to the charm of this curious little road picture. Given the right director and script, Lynley (an under rated actress) can pull in a fine performance. Its a treat to see her in a more recent film. Kudos to the leads.

Don't mistake the understatements of the movie for lack of content. Dotson's character (standing for innocence/purity) is a great contrast to the wizened, seasoned veterans of petty crime. The simple backdrop is what gives the story away as parabolic and a morality tale. Listen to the music, which also gives the hint that the pace of the movie is deliberate. Things transpire as they should to make the point of a good morality tale, which is that evil doesn't pay....

I was actually looking forward to seeing this film and purchased the DVD. Not that I was expecting a masterpiece, but considering the interesting cast (William Smith, Carol Lynley and Barbara McNair), a moderately interesting story and the desert locations, I was hoping for an off-beat, independent film. Well, about a third of the way in, I began to have my doubts, and by the end, it became clear that there is nothing to recommend in this low-budget production, which fully deserves to remain in obscurity. The problems are numerous: a simplistic and amateurish script, sloppy editing, poor sound quality and, perhaps worst of all, a non-performance by Matt Dotson as "Otis", the film's catalyst. Considering the quality of the script and direction, I don't want to be too hard on the actors (and it is fun to see the three leads together), but Dotson's emotionally empty performance really has to be seen to be believed. At barely 86 minutes, the film is not a huge waste of your life, but there really is no need to bother... unless you're desperate to see the three leads together.