His Kind of Woman directed by veteran
John Farrow, is a convoluted mystery thriller which tries unsuccessfully to combine slapstick comedy with excessive violence, resulting in a film that depends more on stereotypes than on plot development. Nick (
Raymond Burr), is a deported gang boss who needs to get back to the United States to run his operation. Dan Miller (
Robert Mitchum) is a hard-up guy, who is persuaded, both by a series of beatings and a substantial sum of money, to sell his identity to Nick. Lenore (
Jane Russell) a singer, poses as a heiress, trying to marry a millionaire. They all meet up in a resort in Mexico where Nick intends to have plastic surgery to alter his looks. There, a number of double-crosses, shootings, and chases all culminate in an exciting confrontation aboard ship.
His Kind of Woman, a Howard Hughes production designed to be a showcase for
Jane Russell, is entertaining when viewed as a comedy. As a serious film-noir thriller, it lacks suspense and depth. However, the film has its moments, and
Robert Mitchum is in his element as the loner anti-hero. ~ Linda Rasmussen, All Movie Guide