GIRL WITH AN ITCH

 

Kathy Marlowe

GIRL WITH AN ITCH (1958). Director: Ronald V. Ashcroft. 

Hitchhiking Mari Lou Waverley (Kathy Marlowe) is picked up by Jake (Scott Douglas) and taken to a ranch owned by widower Ben Cooper (Robert Armstrong) to pick the crops. But Ben has other plans for Mari Lou and invites her to stay in his house, where they begin a relationship. Mari Lou also continues flirting -- and more -- with Jake, and makes a play for Ben's son, Orrie (Robert Clarke of The Incredible Petrified World), who wants nothing to do with her. Before long Ben is using the payroll to buy expensive clothing for Mari Lou and Orrie is having none of it. Does the scheming blonde have her hooks tight enough in Ben or will his son be a more formidable opponent than she can handle? 

Scott Douglas, Kathy Marlowe, Robert Armstrong

Kathy Marlowe was an eternal starlet with mostly uncredited bits and this was her one big, starring role, and she delivers. Unfortunately, not enough people probably saw the film to make much of a difference. Robert Armstrong of King Kong fame and Gang Busters gives a solid performance, as does Clarke as his concerned, angry son. Patti Gallagher of King Dinosaur plays Jake's girlfriend, Emma, and gets into a watery catfight with her at one point. Scott Douglas certainly makes an impression as Jake, although most of his credits were for TV shows. He was also a professional dancer and the long-time companion of a well-known male choreographer. While none of the characters are as well-developed as they should have been, Girl with an Itch is well-acted and absorbing.

Verdict: Entertaining minor melodrama with good performances. **3/4.