Despite its poor reception in 1932, today Downstairs is often pointed to as John Gilbert’s best talkie and further evidence that his voice was not poor. A look at some key scenes with Virginia Bruce and Paul Lukas, plus just how bad of a guy was Gilbert’s Karl?
She Had to Say Yes (1933) Starring Loretta Young
She Had to Say Yes is a pre-Code film so outrageous that it’s bound to bother men and women alike. An expose on the life of the “customer’s girl,” the Depression era’s version of a high class call girl in business circles. Starring Loretta Young, who manages to be pawed by Regis Toomey, Lyle Talbot, and Hugh Herbert, all in the same movie.
Blessed Event (1932) – Lee Tracy as Early Version of Winchell
A look at Lee Tracy as the Walter Winchell inspired star of pre-Code classic Blessed Event (1932). Includes back story about the stage adaptation, movie casting and speedy film production, plus a bit about Walter Winchell himself, circa 1932.
Hot Saturday (1932) with Cary Grant and Nancy Carroll
Paramount pre-Code Hot Saturday (1932) stars Nancy Carroll with noted young leading men Cary Grant and Randolph Scott. Grant is especially good, but Scott not so hot. Includes history of original casting plans, which included Carole Lombard, and comparison to the later Columbia film Party Wire (1935).
A House Divided (1931) – Walter Huston Stars in Early Talkie from William Wyler
This early talkie from legendary director William Wyler stars Walter Huston as the father of meek Kent Douglass, who falls in love with Dad’s mail-order bride, Helen Chandler. Excellent work from Huston as always with surprising heat and chemistry from the two young co-stars.
James Cagney is Jimmy the Gent (1934)
James Cagney stars in Warner Bros. fast-paced Jimmy the Gent (1934), made all the faster by Cagney’s own frenzied performance. Bette Davis co-stars in an underwhelming role while Alan Dinehart excels in his part as rival “Heir Chaser.” Directed by Michael Curtiz and also featuring Allen Jenkins and Alice White.
Majestic’s The Sin of Nora Moran (1933) Starring Zita Johann
The Sin of Nora Moran may have come from Poverty Row but it is years ahead of its time. The 1933 film makes heavy use of flashback to enhance several twists in this life and death story of a female prisoner on Death Row. Starring Zita Johann of The Mummy and directed by Phil Goldstone. Don’t be put off by the lack of big names or major studio logo, The Sin of Nora Moran lives up to the high standards set by its acclaimed promotional poster.
Some Site Notes + TCM Pre-Code Fridays in September
Some general housekeeping opens this post, but then we get to the good stuff: TCM is playing 66 pre-Code era movies in 24-hour blocks on Fridays in September 2014.
Our Blushing Brides (1930) Caps Joan Crawford Trilogy
No longer the wild Jazz Baby, Joan Crawford is cautious to the point of being a drag in Our Blushing Brides (1930), third movie of a loose MGM trilogy starring Crawford. Also starring Robert Montgomery, Anita Page and Dorothy Sebastian.
Winner Take All (1932) from Warner Archive’s Latest Wave of James Cagney
James Cagney stars as boxer Jimmy Kane in Winner Take All, a 1932 Warner Bros. release. This post takes a look at the Rocky II-like double knockdown from the film in order to revisit its inspiration, a real-life 1912 lightweight title fight. Also starring Marian Nixon and Virginia Bruce.
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