‘House of Strangers’ 1949

Edward G. Robinson wasn't large, but he's in charge as the patriarch of 'House of Strangers.'

House of Strangers is not Joseph L. Mankiewicz’ typical cinematic cup of tea, but the director does great work in this family melodrama. The ’49 film plays to Mankiewicz’ strongest suit: character dynamics. From 20^th Century Fox, House displays Mank’s trademark snappy dialogue and refreshing adult attitudes.

Robinson's controlling papa pits his sons against each other throughout 'House of Strangers.'

A fine ensemble cast resides in this House. Edward G. Robertson gives his all as the overpowering papa. He plays Gino Monetti totally old school—you love and hate him at the same time. The patriarch claims to do everything for “the family,” but by the finale, Gino’s need to control has cost him everything. Edward’s performance may be too “Eye-talian,” but in a fiery performance, he brings this flawed character vividly to life.

Edward G. Robinson gives his all as larger than life Gino Monetti. 

I knew Eddie that had never won an Oscar, but was SHOCKED to find out that he was never even nominated, for any of these Robinson performances: Little Caesar (the role that made him a star!), Dr. Ehrlich’s Magic Bullet, Double Indemnity (wow!), Scarlet Street, The Woman in the Window, The Sea Wolf, Key Largo (double wow!) All My Sons, House of Strangers, and in his last, as Sol, in Soylent Green. Robinson did receive an Honorary Oscar, given in true half-assed Academy style, when Eddie was dying. Robinson passed away before he could accept.

Richard Conte comes on strong as the cocky, favorite son Max Monetti. 

Richard Conte is so good, but was he ultimately typecast because of his ethnicity? Both Conte and Robinson were later considered to play The Godfather. But Coppola thought outside the box with Brando, and Conte appeared as another “Don,” Barzini.

Susan Hayward is snappy and sexy as Irene Bennett, the rich young woman who’s attracted to bad boys. Her character has a serious side, too, wanting Max to be his own man, and stop following his father’s commands. Susan is superb, in what could have been a dull leading lady role, given great verve by Hayward.

Richard Conte and Susan Hayward make a dynamic duo, whether fighting or kissing!

The attraction between favorite son Max Monetti and sexy socialite Irene Bennett is fiery, magnetic, and love-hate. Richard Conte and Susan Hayward sizzle in the roles, though I kept wondering if Frank Sinatra and Ava Gardner were yet a couple, as this film duo would have been right up their alley!

Luther Adler has the perfect mug to play Edward G. Robinson's son! As oldest son, Joe.

Luther Adler, with a pickle puss that made him perfect to play Edward G. Robinson’s son, is Joe Monetti. He is the eldest who is tired of being second best to father’s fave, Max. Also grating is that he is treated like a lackey by Gino. Adler’s a chilling cold fish here, though you can hardly blame the character.

Then there's Efrem Zimbalist, Jr. as the charming son. Was this guy ever NOT handsome?

Efrem Zimbalist, Jr. is incredibly handsome and all smiles as the go-along, get-along son Tony Monetti. Debra Paget, in her first film, is incredibly lovely and sensuous as Max’s fiancé. A wow since Debra was only 15 years old at the time! Diana Douglas—first wife of Kirk, mother of Michael—plays the dissatisfied wife of eldest son, Joe.

Love how Robinson's Gino is always threatening to pull a Ralph Kramden on future in-law, Hope Emerson.
My money's on Hope! That's lovely Debra Paget in the middle, at 15!

Hope Emerson is humorously cast as Debra Paget’s mother. Emerson was often typecast as the villain due to her imposing height and face. Future in-law Edward G Robinson is always threatening her, though Emerson could knock Eddie flat with her pinkie finger!

The story origin for House of Strangers goes all the way back to King Lear, with sons instead of daughters. The direct story for this film came from a novel, with a script by Phillip Yordan, which director Mankiewicz massively overhauled. The story’s been regularly repeated, from Broken Lance, to The Sons of Katie Elder, and especially, The Godfather. Nothing against the above films, but House of Strangers is an unsung near-classic.

Max Monetti & Irene Bennett at a boxing match. They're no strangers to sparring!

The director’s decision to do some location shooting in NYC’s Little Italy goes a long way in providing some atmosphere. Typical of the era, though the film is set during the Depression era, the look is post-war ‘40s. Still, the Little Italy scenes look far more real than 20^th Century Fox’s prettified back lot.

The story, told mostly in flashback, is tautly told, with great atmosphere. House of Strangers makes you feel like you’re peeking in the windows of the Monetti clan.

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It's not a pretty picture for Robinson's Gino Monetti by the end of 'House of Strangers.'