Paramount’s 1934 version of The Witching Hour is light on stars and, despite the title, isn’t even a horror movie. An early Henry Hathaway film based on the 1907 hit play by Augustus Thomas and featuring strong performances from John Halliday and Sir Guy Standing. It’s all covered here.
Gambling Lady (1934) for the Barbara Stanwyck Blogathon
Barbara Stanwyck plays honestly in Gambling Lady (1934), even when she has to overcome her husband’s former flame, Claire Dodd. With Joel McCrea and Pat O’Brien. Directed by Archie Mayo for Warner Brothers, 1934.
Death on the Diamond (1934) – Baseball, Murder and Robert Young
MGM’s baseball murder mystery Death on the Diamond (1934) stars Robert Young and Madge Evans. A decent mystery and a strong baseball movie at the same time. Directed by Edward Sedgwick and also featuring David Landau, Paul Kelly, Nat Pendleton and Ted Healy.
Brief Impressions: No Other Woman – Side Streets – Evelyn Prentice – Millionaires in Prison
A quick peek at four movies I’ve watched recently: No Other Woman (1933); Side Streets and Evelyn Prentice (both 1934); and Millionaires in Prison (1940).
Evergreen (1934) – Gaumont British Musical Starring Jessie Matthews
My first experience with Jessie Matthews. This American discovers EVERGREEN (1934) for the first time and finds a new favorite. 2,000 words, with images.
Brief Impressions, 1934 Edition: A Wicked Woman – Housewife – Success at Any Price
Brief impressions of A WICKED WOMAN starring Mady Christians, George Brent, Ann Dvorak and Bette Davis in HOUSEWIFE, Brent and Davis again in FRONT PAGE WOMAN, and Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. and Genevieve Tobin in SUCCESS AT ANY PRICE.
Dr. Monica (1934) Starring Kay Francis, Warren William and Jean Muir
A look at Dr. Monica (1934), a pre-code Kay Francis film featuring a strong performance by Jean Muir. Also starring Verree Teasdale and Warren William.
The Richest Girl in the World (1934) Starring Miriam Hopkins and Joel McCrea
Miriam Hopkins plays “The Richest Girl in the World” (1934) with hopes of landing a husband on her own merits and despite her money. Joel McCrea is her prospect. With a look at then currently celebrated heiresses Barbara Hutton and Doris Duke.
Cecil B. DeMille’s Cleopatra (1934) Starring Claudette Colbert
A look at Cecil B. DeMille’s lavish 1934 production of Cleopatra starring Claudette Colbert as Cleopatra. With Warren William and Henry Wilcoxon.
Remembering Jackie Cooper, 1922-2011, with Peck’s Bad Boy (1934)
Remembering Jackie Cooper, who died today at age 88. His career and legacy, plus a look at 1934’s Peck’s Bad Boy starring Cooper with Thomas Meighan.