The Naked Kiss

The Naked Kiss is a 1964 film directed by Samuel Fuller, a master of exploitation cinema known for pushing boundaries and tackling sensitive topics. The movie follows Grant (Conrad Phillips), a former prostitute, as she attempts to leave her past behind and start anew in the idyllic small town of Grantville, where she has taken a new name, Kelly. Kelly arrives in Grantville, and it's clear that she is determined to create a better life for herself. She takes a job as a waitress at the local soda shop and, with the help of a friendly local named Grandville (Anthony Caruso), starts to build a reputation as a kind and caring young woman. However, beneath this façade lies a complex and troubled individual, haunted by the memories of her past. As Kelly becomes more settled in Grantville, she starts to form relationships with the locals, including the sympathetic Grandville and a young social worker named Mike (Michael Shayne). Through these interactions, Kelly slowly begins to open up about her past, revealing a history marked by trauma and abuse. Despite her efforts to keep her past hidden, Kelly's secrets eventually begin to surface, threatening to disrupt the carefully constructed illusion she has created for herself. Meanwhile, Kelly's new life in Grantville becomes increasingly complicated by the arrival of Frank (Charles B. Pierce), a police officer who bears a striking resemblance to Kelly's abusive past. Frank's presence serves as a catalyst for the dark secrets Kelly has been trying to keep hidden, and the consequences of her revelations start to unfold. One of the key themes of The Naked Kiss is the societal pressures that women face, particularly in a small town like Grantville where conformity is prized and nonconformity is punished. Fuller uses Kelly's story to highlight the dangers of making assumptions about others based on superficial appearances, and the harm that can be inflicted when we fail to look beyond the surface level. Through Kelly's journey, Fuller also explores the complex dynamics at play between women, particularly in a male-dominated society. Kelly's relationship with her fellow prostitute, Colquitt (Shirley Paterson), is marked by a deep sense of resentment and anger, reflecting the ways in which women can turn against each other when faced with the same systemic oppressions. In addition to its thought-provoking themes, The Naked Kiss is also notable for its bold and unflinching portrayal of sex work. Kelly's past is presented as a brutal and dehumanizing reality, where women are reduced to commodities and exploited for their bodies. Fuller's approach is unapologetic and unsentimental, refusing to romanticize or minimize the trauma and pain experienced by sex workers. The Naked Kiss has become a cult classic, celebrated for its frankness and willingness to tackle difficult subjects. The film's cinematography is stark and unflinching, with a muted color palette that captures the sense of desperation and resignation that underlies Kelly's story. Fuller's direction is characterized by his characteristic pace and energy, propelling the narrative forward with a sense of urgency and intensity. The performance of Conway Tearle and Shirley Paterson is notable. They are a perfect pairing as the two sex workers trying to survive.