THE GOLDEN GHETTO

Pacing out the minimal hiatuses between catatonic chunks of the undraped female form, the author of Jefferson Square absently records the doings of a real estate tycoon. Max Berman, middle-aged bachelor, who with his partner, Paul Lafferty, has built up a soaring New York based business, has also, however, been stale-mating with Sheila Ross, in love but Catholic, and refusing to become Mrs. (Jewish) Berman. Intruding on Max's gloom is Lance Balutis, an outre artist/movie producer who clicks while spontaneously reacting to nude ladies for considerable profit. Lance needs an angel and Max is finally willing: but Lance is knifed immediately after photographing Paul Lafferty's daughter, Janet, in the altogether. Uncle Max clears Janet of Lance's murder, rescues the firm from incipient bankruptcy, and melts the religious scruples of Sheila--all in one square package. Enervating.