dougdoepke
The opening scene at the turkey farm between grizzled old Ezra (Barton) and asylum escapee Barrington (Ireland) made me think this would be a special movie. Unfortunately, the remainder doesn't reach that level. Barrington's fled an insane asylum because he's going through the same trauma as when he strangled a girl. His recollection of the earlier act is clouded, and now he seeks a better understanding on the outside. Even his self-identity seems at stake. Gruff old Ezra befriends him and helps. Along the way, he meets down-and- out waitress Connie (McCambridge) who doesn't know what to make of his strange behavior. The story's remainder is an attempt to clear up the mystery.Too bad that the script soon bogs down after the opening scene into lots of talk and murky developments. Plus, the barroom brawl comes across as a clumsy action interlude amid the talk. On the actors' side, McCambridge gets an Ida Lupino type role, namely as a working girl with both edge and heart. It's an unusual leading lady part for the usually mannish actress. Still, she does well enough, and dare I say it, is almost sexy at times. To me, Barton is the big surprise, a really enlivening presence, without going over the top. His Ezra is a bit like Walter Huston's feisty old codger in Treasure of the Sierra Madre (1948). At the same time, Ireland gets a non-villainous role for a change. Too bad he lacked leading man good looks since he had the required screen talents. All in all, the cast is superior to the clumsy script, especially the awkward reveal part. The end result is a mediocre movie clearly in need of a rewrite.
bkoganbing
John Ireland and Mercedes McCambridge who were together in All The King's Men are cast together in The Scarf. Ireland plays an escapee from a mental asylum who is there because he strangled a woman allegedly. Mercedes McCambridge plays a woman who helps him out as does James Barton who gives him refuge at his turkey ranch.Ireland reasons that while he has no memory of the event he also has no feelings of guilt and would if he actually did the deed. From this premise he seeks answers.A lot of very good players are in this story, but it could have been a lot better plotted than it was. I was also not satisfied with the ending, it was definitely a let down. It's also obvious who the real killer is.Fans of any of the cast members should like The Scarf, but it definitely deserved better writing and direction.
blanche-2
John Ireland stars with Mercedes McCambridge in "The Scarf" which features Emlyn Williams and Lloyd Gough.Ireland plays an escapee from a mental institution who is sure he didn't strangle his girlfriend with a scarf, but unfortunately, he can't remember anything. He hides out in a cabin owned by an isolated old man (Ezra Thompson), helps out raising his turkeys, and eventually goes to Los Angeles to see his friend David Dunbar (Williams), a psychiatrist. Along the way, he picks up a hitchhiker (McCambridge) en route to a job as a singing waitress. She's wearing the exact same scarf, but he still can't remember strangling his girlfriend.This is a fairly convoluted story, cashing in on the interest in psychiatry after World War II. Ireland looks very handsome here and does a good job in this small movie. The character of Ezra, the old man, is interesting and likable.This may sound silly, but for some reason, McCambridge singing "Summer Rains" was the high point of the film for me. I thought she really created an atmosphere with it and raised the level of the film.Decent performances, but check this film out for McCambridge.
Peter22060
It was rumored that after his role in ALL THE KING'S MEN, John Ireland had demanded too much from the studios. This smaller production is filmed in the same slow mist of the hero's memory. Mercedes McCambridge is excellent as the female support. James Barton gives great support on the male side. It is a strong well acted performance. It should be shown more often. It is a shame that features like this are not shown on today's cable systems or available in any format.
AD
