Seconds (1966)

Rock Hudson has always seemed more a (cardboard) personality than an actor but he does acquit nicely in the somewhat squirm-inducing John Frankenheimer science fiction film Seconds - and he only appears in the last two thirds! Seconds is not an ordinary movie; it contains themes that are au courant, was filmed stunningly in black and white by James Wong Howe, and directed tautly by Frankenheimer. Any more details will spoil the unfolding horror so watch it cold for an indelible and harrowing experience.

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Come September (1961)

Come September has one thing in its favor: Gina Lollobrigida. This Italian bombshell is so tantalizing she can even get a rise (albeit a small one) out of pathetic co-star Rock Hudson. But when real-life newlyweds Sandra Dee and Bobby Darin are thrown in as a couple of doe-eyed teens, I couldn't wait for September to leave.

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...Darling Lili (1970)

Julie Andrews would not be my first choice to play a Nazi and, although she acquits herself nicely in Darling Lili, the movie itself is a hodge-podge of ridiculous situations and unmotivated characterizations with a central plot that is just plain unbelievable. A wooden Rock Hudson mumbles his way through the blazingly dull love scenes, laying claim to the oft-repeated rumor that the two actors did not get along. The only interesting thing, aside from the Henry Mancini music, is Andrews' strip tease (sic!) which called to mind Blake Edward's far better S.O.B, a film based in part on his experiences making Darling Lili.