Sinful Davey (1969)

John Huston's "Sinful Davey" (1969), a lesser-known gem in his extensive filmography, boasts a captivating blend of dark humor and swashbuckling adventure. It follows the titular Davey Haggart, a young man utterly convinced of his lineage to a notorious highwayman, and his subsequent, albeit clumsy, attempts to live up to his father's legendary reputation. Davey's exploits—a jailbreak from Stirling, stagecoach robberies, and even targeting the Duke of Argyll—are rendered with a whimsical energy, sharply contrasting with the unwavering moral compass of his childhood friend Annie, who relentlessly pursues him, aiming to reform his "sinful" ways. This unlikely pairing fuels the film's engaging narrative. The film's inclusion on a "Best John Huston Movies" list is justified by Huston's characteristically masterful direction, particularly in his handling of the offbeat humor and the compelling dynamic between Davey and Annie. While not as critically acclaimed or widely recognized as some of his other works, "Sinful Davey" showcases Huston's ability to blend genres seamlessly, creating a unique and entertaining film that embodies his signature blend of cynicism and compassion. The strong performances, coupled with its vibrant visual style and clever script, highlight the director's continued exploration of complex characters and morally ambiguous situations, hallmarks of his best work.