The Glove

The Glove, a daring and tenacious film from the late 70s, stars several well-known actors of the time: John Saxon, Roosevelt Grier, and Joanna Cassidy. This riveting exploitation classic is a unique blend of action, suspense, and drama that explores themes of desperation, justice, and reckless determination.

John Saxon, famous for his roles in Enter the Dragon and the Nightmare on Elm Street series, plays Sam Kellog, a down-on-his-luck bounty hunter trying to make a living in a rough and rugged profession. A Vietnam vet turned private detective, his character is portrayed as deeply human with a stable moral compass despite his precarious career choice. His persona and struggles form the emotional backbone of the film, bringing genuine depth and resonance to this kinetic thriller-drama.

Roosevelt Grier, an Ex-NFL star carving a niche for himself in the Hollywood industry, portrays hard-boiled convict Victor Hale. The character is a prison escapee who uses a deadly assault glove as his weapon of choice, hence the title of the movie - The Glove. The weapon, meant for riot control, is said to be able to topple a 200-pound man with a single blow. Victor's pursuit of justice, though violently skewed, forms the crux of the conflict in the narrative that challenges conventional ideas of right and wrong.

Actress Joanna Cassidy brings her unique dynamism to the character of Sheila Michaels, a nightclub singer and Sam's love interest. Simultaneously providing emotional complexity and a sense of normality to Sam's dangerous lifestyle, her role in the film softens the hard edges of the relentless action sequences, providing a needed respite while further enriching the story.

The film oscillates between frantic action scenes and more slowed-down, character-driven scenes as we get to know the intricate emotional and social circumstances of the characters. It is a raw, almost anthological exploration into the lives of these individuals brought together through unusual and morbid circumstances. The complex psychological portrait it paints of its characters set against the gritty, superbly captured cityscape of 1970's Los Angeles ensures that The Glove rises above its genre constraints.

Ross Hagen's direction is commendable in that it manages to maintain a high level of suspense and adrenaline-fueled sequences while also focusing on in-depth character study. Also worth mentioning is the film's effective use of music. The jazzy nightclub scenes featuring Joanne Cassidy's songs form a stark, somewhat surreal contrast to the intense cat-and-mouse chases that pepper the film's narrative.

The Glove is a gritty action-drama, brimming with suspense, which explores how socio-economic conditions can drive individuals down morally ambiguous paths. It wonderfully integrates high-stakes action, suspense and insightful character study into one film, making it a genre-bending classic. Its illustrious star cast, each giving their best to create believable, complex characters, ensure that it's a memorable cinematic experience for every viewer. Whether you’re a fan of suspenseful narratives or complex character studies, you will find something to enjoy in The Glove, a flick that is as profound as it is entertaining. The Glove is one of those hidden movie gems that rewards your time and delivers more than you might expect from a conventional action flick. It's a thrilling cinematic journey that manages to leave a lasting impression on the audience while questioning our preconceived notions about justice and morality.