Eli Wallach, born in 1915, is a cornerstone of American cinema, renowned for his compelling portrayals across various genres. In A Lovely Way to Die (1968), he plays the enigmatic character of a detective, showcasing his ability to navigate the complexities of crime and morality. Wallach's career, which surged in the late 1950s, also includes notable performances in Stateline Motel (1973) and Crazy Joe (1974), where his characters often reflect the gritty realism of the era. His work in these films cements his status as a significant figure in cult and exploitation cinema.
Stateline Motel
After robbing a jewellery shop in Canada, two Americans arrange a meeting near the US borders in order to split the loot. One of them has an accident with his car on his way there and gets stuck in an isolated motel until his car is fixed. The owner of the motel, a sexy woman in her thirties, falls in love with him, but her suspicions about him begin to multiply, as the police arrive at the motel.