The Girl Hunters [Blu-ray]

Of all the actors who have portrayed Mike Hammer, Micky Spillane IMO captured Hammer the best. Of all Mike Hammer films, TV show etc., "The Girl Hunters" was the truest to the novel - which I particularly value. During the "special feature" interview with Spillane about the film he was put out that the movie studio wouldn't spend the money to do it in color, but I think black and white gave the film the perfect "noir" atmosphere. The supporting cast was well chosen and certainly helped bring the novel to life. Veteran actor Loyd Nolan did a solid turn as a "government" i.e. CIA agent, and of course Shirly Eaton (soon after to be famous for "Goldfinger") was as beautiful as she is talented as the "Femme fatale". Finally there is an old time newspaperman named Hy Gardner who plays himself. From the perspective of the early 21st century it is pleasantly nostalgic to hear a member of the main stream media (from an earlier time) talking to Hammer about someone who "...hates the commie punks as much as we do." However this is Mickey's movie. He would be the first to say he wasn't an actor, but I say it's too bad he didn't play his famous character many times more.

If you are a film noir fan, this is a must have, not for the film itself, but for the lively interview with Mickey Spillane who is even more entertaining than one of his characters. His stories in the interview recall a time long ago and a kind of real New York personality that I haven't seen in years. Lloyd Nolan is in the film, which makes it a keeper for me. Although Nolan was born in California, he has a believable New York attitude that comes from the time when New York wasn't the sophisticated city it pretends to be now. There are twists in the film and murders, of course. It isn't as dark as some noir, but it has enough cynicism for noir lovers. And it has the added attraction of seeing a writer become his character. As Shirley Eaton says, there probably was some of Mickey Spillane in Mike Hammer to begin with.

because I am a Mike Hammer fan, I rated this movie 4 stars. I won't because I am not qualified make comments on the acting particularly Mickey Spillane's which in many reviews I had made was considered weak and stiff. Did think that Shirley Eaton was good especially at the end.I just enjoyed this movie because it reminded me of the books and because it was good escapism for me. If you are the type of person who does not expect great works or art for every movie you go see, this one is fine

I loved the film. I knew right away who the (blond bombshell) killer was. I read a lot of Mickey Spillane when I was a kid and knew what his favorite murderers would be. I loved the music. There were a few places where he put in scenes that he loved whether they were appropriate or not. I write screenplays and I could see the end coming a mile away, but I still loved it. Spillane telegraphed the ending way early, but so what? I have always loved Lloyd Nolan and he was terrific (as always) as the FBI man.I believe several scenes from this film found their way into James Bond films. Okay by me.

mickey spillane got tired of the lacking slack movie and tv versions of his iconic private eye, mike hammer, and decided to play the part himself. he was right about the previous screen versions of his character, but doesn't pull it off here. Darren McGavin's tv version in the sixties had to be cleaned up too much to do justice to this character. I'd have to say the same about Stacy Keach's version too. my advice on this one: the books are always better, much better, if at this point a little dated. works of their time for better or worse. start with "I the Jury". the series will work for you or it won't. good reading.

i like the girl hunters. I first saw it when I was i n the army in Germany. I have the movie on vhs but have played it so much the sou nd track is wearing out.. I have looked for it o n dvd before but couldn't find it. I have the hardback first edition on my library shelf. it is the best. I would give it 5 stars and recommend it to any mike hammer lover.

The version I received was just a narrative about the movie - no movie!

I’ve never read a Mickey Spillane novel, but I hope he’s a better writer than he is an actor! He reminds me of an over-sized Gene Kelly, but without any of Kelly’s charm and star quality. The movie is plagued by stiff, unnatural acting by nearly the entire cast, with the exceptions of Lloyd Nolan and Shirley Eaton. The stunningly beautiful Ms. Eaton wears only a bikini in most of her scenes, but that isn’t her sole appeal — she’s a very good actor, too. Her scenes are the only highlights of the entire film.Spoiler Alert!The “MacGuffin” of the movie is supposed to be Hammer’s search for his former secretary, Velda, who mysteriously disappeared years earlier and is presumed to be dead. A credible source reveals she is still alive and somewhere just out of reach of Mike Hammer and the authorities. This news is supposed to be Mike Hammers’ driving force that gives him a reason to sober up and get back to work after a long period of drunken despair. However, the movie ends without anyone ever actually finding Velda! Suddenly, everyone forgets about her. Now I wonder if the novel actually delivers on the plot’s promise and how no one involved with the film production thought it was important enough to include a proper resolution to the plot?

I enjoy this film and special features very much, hence the 5 stars, but I couldn't really recommend it to ordinary civilians ( film buffs and/or Mickey Spillane fans only ).The disc is a US import but plays fine on my UK region player. Picture quality is very good and looks great in Panavision. I thought the main title music/Mike Hammer theme tune suited the film well, and added to my enjoyment. All the special features are worth having, in my view, and further add to the enjoyment of the film. Nice to see Mickey Spillane interviewed, he was an interesting chap.The film is unusual because Mr Spillane plays his own hero in it. Although not an actor he played the part well I thought, looked good as Mike Hammer, and was good in the action sequences.The production has the feel of a 'B' movie, probably I think due to a small budget ( lots and lots of exposition, and petrol heads will spot a classic continuity slip when an early 60's Ford Galaxy changes into a '57 T-bird, or maybe he changed cars on route to throw off a tail ? But this is never explained ) and was mainly filmed in England. Some location filming was in New York, and this and the Panavision picture ratio lift it above the average.I found the plot difficult to follow at times, and had to get a copy of the book ( which I also enjoyed ) to get it. Subtitles would have helped, but these are not available. Despite any shortcomings I continue to enjoy re-watching.All things considered the production team did a fine job with the tools available, making a good looking film.Best viewed with a Blue Ribbon or Miller Lite.

This is a pedestrian 1960's crime movie; the plot is nothing special, however Shirley Eaton certainly is. She is absolutely worth the price of admission. Besides that, it's fun to see Mickey Spillane play the part of Mike Hammer; he does quite well. Interviews with both Mickey Spillane & Shirley Eaton added to my enjoyment of the movie. I give it a qualified recommendation.

Mickey Spillane-Verfilmung mit dem Autoren selbst in der Rolle des Mike Hammer. Trotz dieses schönen Details ist dieser Film leider nicht mehr als schwerfällige Routineware...

Un film adapté d'un roman de Mickey Spillane et dont l'originalité est que le personnage principal, le détective privé Mike Hammer, est interprété par son créateur lui-même, Mickey Spillane. Pour le reste, il s'agit d'un film noir typique de 'univers de Spillane: machiste, anticommuniste, violent. La mise en scène de Roy Rowland est assez terne, statique, mais bénéficie d'une bonne photo et de quelques plans réussis. On est loin de EN QUATRIEME VITESSE, le chef d'oeuvre qu'Aldrich avait tiré d'un roman de la série de Mike Hammer. Le film est présenté en VF et en VOST français, avec en bonus une longue interview du romancier.

This is really a ‘B’ grade film, but as it’s a noir it has to go on my shelf. The remastering for blu-ray is excellent. The language is English (or Spanish) but no English subs. I just wonder why, in the UK we end up having to source blu-rays from other countries.