Plot: What’s it about?
What happens when you mix a pair of fun loving businessmen (Ernest Borgnine and Robert Alda), a business trip to Europe, and a bordello full of beautiful prostitutes? In this case, you’ll end up with a lot of fun and before it is all over, a lot of trouble. The two men are supposed to be working and spending their time with company affairs, but the affairs they engage in have nothing to do with their jobs back home. Instead of taking care of business, the two take care of their primal needs and romance the hookers, soon becoming a mainstay of the girls’ lives and vice-versa. As the time passes and the two live the high life, they don’t think much about the consequences, which could soon come knocking on their doors. When the men are forced to face the music, will they feel as though their fun was worth it?
I’d never even heard of this film before this disc arrived, but with Ernest Borgnine and some hookers involved, I knew it was worth a look. Also known as Holiday Hookers and Christmas at the Brothel, this film is no classic by any means, but it was well worth a look. I am biased I suppose, as I love Ernest Borgnine’s performances, but even if you’re just looking for a light piece to check out, Love By Appointment is a good choice. I know the whole prostitution angle might throw some folks off, but in truth, this is a comedic piece and as such, no real harsh topics are explored. Borgnine is right on the money, the hookers are good looking, and in the end, this movie turns out to be a solid one. I have to admit, I don’t think I will return to this picture that much, but I am glad I took the time to watch it here. If you’re at all interested, then I recommend you give this disc a rental, as the film is worth it.
As much as I like hookers, this film would have tanked without Ernest Borgnine, who as usual, delivers a fine performance. He can do drama when he needs to, but in Love By Appointment, Borgnine showcases his comedic skills, which are also more than solid. Of course, this material doesn’t allow him to show his full skills, but he is able to do well enough. This is not one of his finer performances, but if you’re a fan, then his work here is worth a look. You can also see Borgnine in films such as Gattaca, BASEketball, The Black Hole, Escape From New York, The Poseidon Adventure, and The Wild Bunch. The rest of the cast includes Silvia Dionisio (Blood For Dracula, Terror Express), Francoise Fabian (Chloe In The Afternoon, Season’s Beatings), Corinne Clery (Moonraker, The Story of “O”), and Robert Alda (The Devil’s Hand, The Serpent).
Video: How does it look?
Love By Appointment is presented in a 1.85:1 widescreen transfer, which is not enhanced for widescreen televisions. This is a pretty rough transfer, but in the end, it seems to handle the basics and not cross into unwatchable status. But this is not the level of transfer we’ve come to expect, so be prepared for a rough experience. Most of the time, you can see a lot of damage and debris on the source print, which can be distracting in the worst of times. Some scenes look better than others, but very few look clean, which is not too good. The colors and contrast seem solid enough, but the wear and tear on the print run down the score here.
Audio: How does it sound?
The audio is better than the video, but it never impresses much, so not much to discuss here. A basic mono track is included, which ensures clean vocals and smooth music, but because of the limits of mono, you won’t be blown away. It serves the needs of this material though, so no complaints in the end. A basic, but pretty clean presentation, which is enough to earn a passing score for this track.
Supplements: What are the extras?
This disc contains no bonus materials.
