Directed by: James Neilson
Starring: Raquel Welch, James Stacy, Luke Askew
Distributed by: Warner Archive
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Running Time: 99 minutes
Our Score: 2.5 out of 5 stars
When it comes to watching Raquel Welch in a film, you do not have to ask me twice. Especially Raquel Welch from 1969 wearing tight clothes and playing an exotic dancer. The film itself though is definitely something out of the 60’s and doesn’t know whether it wants to be a thriller or a romance. It switches genres so much that I at times forgot that it focuses on a psychopath chasing her character. The coolest part of this film is seeing Las Vegas in 1969 but it doesn’t last long. Overall, definitely not one of her finest films but not the worst either I am sure.
The DVD box labels this film as PG-13 but I am not sure how that is since the film has a bunch of nude women dancing in the opening 30 minutes of the film. The DVD is presented in 16X9 full frame and in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1. Since this film has never been released on DVD, you can thank Warner Archive again for this. Like all Warner Archive films though, there are no special features included with this release but at least it is finally on DVD.
Premise: A homicidal maniac engages a frightened young woman in a deadly game of cat and mouse in this harrowing suspense thriller starring Raquel Welch. When Alan Morris (Luke Askew) guns down his estranged wife in cold blood, no one is more terrified than Michele (Welch), the Vegas showgirl Alan blames for turning his wife against him. Realizing that she’s the murderer’s next target, Michele begins a desperate game of hide-and-seek, hoping to elude Alan in the crowded streets of Los Angeles. After several near misses, the killer finally corners his elusive prey, leading to a showdown that ignites the screen in a blaze of fury. Filmed on location in several fabled Las Vegas and Los Angeles night spots, Flareup grabs your attention and never lets go. From its action-packed beginning to the sensational conclusion, it’ll keep you gasping.