A belated sequel to Harper (1966), The Drowning Pool finds private eye Harper (Paul Newman) in New Orleans on another complex case instigated by a woman.  Initially, he is investigating infidelity, but soon there are murders and family problems that greatly complicate matters.  In the end, he ties the loose ends together and rides off into the sunset.

At the end of Harper it wasn’t even clear if Newman survived, but he did, for this disappointing follow-up.  The move to New Orleans seems unnecessary and few aspects of the southern locale are used to good effect.  The numerous women in the film all end up making a limited impression, probably because Harper brushes most of them off quickly.  Unlike the first Harper adventure, which was a little James Bond and a little film noir, this one comes across as a 1970s cop film with Newman in the middle.  Even he is disappointing.  Still, the photography is good and some of the performances, particularly Murray Hamilton as the oil baron heavy, are enjoyable.  It appears that the film was poorly received on release, but a few decades make the gap between the films seem less.  That is, Harper isn’t as good as people thought and this film isn’t as bad.  ✰ ✰ ½.

MJM  11-10-2011