Bait, Gold Fever

The price of gold has always been expensive, not just here in the 21st century. Hence, the demand for a bargain basement version of "The Treasure of the Sierra Madre."  Humphrey Bogart, in 1954 would have demanded a pretty penny, enter Hugo Haas. The big, burly central European may not have the pizzazz of Bogie, but he is always endearing...even when greed rears its ugly head. Our feature today is 1954's "Bait," directed by and starring Hugo Haas.

Everyone knows Marko (Haas) is a cheat and probably a murderer.  The gypsy prospects for gold and claims to have found a gold mine.  In so doing, his partner dies mysteriously and most figure Marko killed him. Enter the sucker Ray (John Agar). He believes Marko has found a gold mine and enters a partnership with him. Now Marko needs Ray to help him find the mine again and dig out the gold.  The two hit town to buy supplies and meet Peggy (Cleo Moore). She's a sultry blonde who stocks shelves and pumps gas at the general store. She's bad news, just ask anyone. Peggy is an unwed mother and no one approves. Still, Ray is nice to her even though everyone else treats her like a trollop. Ray is warned about her. Okay, a dame is now involved and so is gold...can this get any worse?

After weeks Ray and Marko bicker as they are isolated in the mountains...then a miracle...they find the mine and it is filled with gold! Now the weirdness starts. Marko sneaks back to town and marries Peggy. Ray is shocked, and so are we.  Peggy is brought back to the cabin to help out but her mere presence just acts as unholy temptation for Ray. Peggy tries to be an affectionate wife and even tries to seduce her husband.  Marko has no interest in carnal pleasures with his babe wife. Ray does, however. Even more weird, Marko encourages Peggy and Ray to hold each other, dance together, and kiss.  But why? Uh oh! Marko has a plan.  He doesn't want a wife and he does not want a partner to split the gold with. He wants all the gold and the sultry Peggy will be used as bait in order for Marko to enact his plan to get all the gold.

Just what is this plan of Marko's to eliminate any partnerships?  Will Peggy survive this plan given that Marko has no interest in her affection?  Will Ray be able to hold off his male nature and the beautiful blonde that he is falling in love with?  The recipe put forth above has murder and hardship written all over it!  We remember the brutal ending of "The Treasure of the Sierra Madre" and desperately hope the sultry Peggy and nice-guy Ray won't fall victim to the evil schemes of Marko.  See "Bait" and take it as a lesson in greed, virtue, and corruption.