A Cold Wind In August (1961)

An aging stripper (Lola Albright) separates her work and her private life by not performing in New York City where she lives. She is attracted to the 17 year old son (Scott Marlowe) of the apartment building's superintendent and sets out to seduce him but what was intended as a game turns into something much more serious ..... for both of them. Directed by Alexander Singer from a screenplay by Burton Wohl, who also wrote the original novel the film is based on. The film is a perfect example of how often there is a fine line between trash and art. The film is an exploitation film at heart yet the talent and artistry of the film makers make it something more. There's a rather lurid sheen to a story about an aging stripper seducing a boy young enough to be her son. The film tempers the discomfort by casting a 28 year old actor as the 17 year old boy. If the actor actually looked 17, people would have squirmed in their scenes. Albright's performance is pure heartbreak as she takes you with her on an emotional rollercoaster. With her performance here (as well as LORD LOVE A DUCK), this was a major talent and the film stands as a testament to how Hollywood wasted Albright.  With Herschel Bernardi, Joe De Santis and Janet Brandt.