No Way to Treat a Lady

No Way to Treat a Lady is a 1968 black comedy thriller film that offers an intriguing blend of suspense and humor, creating an unconventional but enthralling cinematic experience. Directed by Jack Smight and based on the novel by William Goldman, the film showcases a game of wits and tensions between a determined detective and a theatrical, manipulative serial killer. Starring Rod Steiger, Lee Remick, and George Segal, the movie captivates the audience with its blend of genre elements and strong performances by its lead actors.

Rod Steiger plays Christopher Gill, a disturbed and flamboyant serial killer with a taste for theatricality who uses his skills as a master of disguise to commit his heinous crimes. Steiger's performance is a balancing act between charm and menace, as he perfectly embodies the complexities of his character. Gill's deep-seated need for recognition and a twisted desire for a maternal figure drive him to seek out victims, primarily middle-aged women, whom he strangles after engaging them with his different personas. With each murder, he leaves behind a lipstick-marked "kiss of death," a signature that becomes an eerie trademark of his identity as a killer.

George Segal takes on the role of Detective Moe Brummel, a clever but down-to-earth police officer who is tasked with tracking down the serial killer terrorizing New York City. Segal's portrayal of Brummel gives the film its moral center as he embodies the detective's frustration, intelligence, and tenacity. Battling not just the criminal he's chasing, Brummel also contends with his overbearing Jewish mother, whose constant interference in his personal life injects a streak of relatable and comedic elements into the narrative.

Lee Remick portrays the elegant and engaging Kate Palmer, a sophisticated art consultant who becomes romantically involved with Brummel. Remick delivers a nuanced performance, capturing Palmer's strength and vulnerability, and she adds depth to the film as both a love interest and someone who unwittingly finds herself in the dangerous orbit of Gill's psychopathic tendencies.

No Way to Treat a Lady crafts a multifaceted cat-and-mouse game where each character is richly drawn. Gill, craving attention, establishes a direct line of communication with Brummel, seeing the detective as a worthy adversary to his sinister games. The telephone conversations between Gill and Brummel become a central device of the movie, augmenting the tension while allowing for character development and moments of dark wit to shine through. These verbal exchanges are a testament to the movie's skillful script and direction, as they manage to simultaneously entertain and unsettle the audience.

The film delves into the psychology of its characters, particularly focusing on Gill's troubled psyche and his complex relationship with his deceased mother, who was a celebrated stage actress. It is through these insights into Gill's past that the film explores themes of identity, the need for approval, and the elasticity of the human mind under the weight of unresolved emotional trauma.

Visually, No Way to Treat a Lady reflects its late 1960s New York City setting, capturing the grit and vibrancy of the metropolis while juxtaposing it with the interior spaces that become stages for Gill's dramatic crimes. The cinematography underscores the tension and claustrophobia inherent in Gill's encounters with his victims, while also delivering cinematic shots that showcase the bustling city life that Detective Brummel navigates on his quest for justice.

The movie's soundtrack further enhances the viewing experience, mixing suspenseful and melodious strains to accompany the characters' onscreen developments. The score weaves through comedic, dramatic, and suspenseful moments with finesse, reflecting the film's ability to straddle different genres with ease.

No Way to Treat a Lady distinguishes itself by its blending of traditional thriller elements with a sharp comedic edge, a move not commonly seen in the genre at the time of its release. The film has the ability to provoke laughter moments after inducing shivers, a testament to the dexterity of the writing and direction, as well as the strength of its cast.

The film's exploration of identity, performance, and the pursuit of recognition come full circle in a narrative that delivers on excitement and thought-provocation. For those who appreciate classic cinema that offers suspense, rich character development, and unexpected turns of dark humor, No Way to Treat a Lady provides a robust and engaging viewing experience, anchored by the charismatic performances of its leading trio.