Second Level
On the second level - and Mr.
Frankenheimer definitely means
for there to be one - "The Gypsy
Moths" goes somewhat astray. The
director's point - or controlling
purpose if you wish - is never
made totally clear. Much of what
the movie has to say about courage
comes out somewhat garbled
because the characters' actions at
times lack full motivation and once
or twice come close to defying
reason.
Top acting honors go to Mr.
Hackman, whose performance as
the whore-hunting, fun-loving, outgoing
member of the trio should
enhance his position as one of
Hollywood's rising stars, Mr. Lancaster
does a commendable job in
the part of the accomplished leader
of the troupe who likes "women
with class" and for one night has
one. Mr. Wilson is the youngest of
the three and, in a deceptively key
role, excellently conveys a kid-brother
image as he idolizes Mr.
Lancaster's character.
