It did take me a few minutes to figure out if Freddie Bartholomew was a little boy of if he was a teen girl in this movie. I think this is one of the earliest family movies I've seen though, and I do love the message of father and son relationships that are in the movie. It shows how Harvey's life has been affected by having a very busy dad and the lessons he may be learning on accident without someone to guide him. This movie also employs the new popular action adventure scenes that movies seemed to have embraced with a new movie layout in the 30's with lots of shots of boats in rough waters.
Summary: Harvey is used to having his own way, and though he may not spend too much time with his father, he likes to use his rich father as leverage to get what he wants. When the spoiled kid finds himself in the company of rough fishermen though he finds they are less inclined to give over to his spoiled ways and teach him the life they live. He quickly grows close to Manuel who disciplines him and shows him lessons that his father hasn't been able to. Danger though threatens the fishermen whether through the weather or other fishermen trying to steal their livelihood.
With the earlier viewing of An Affair to Remember you find again that Cary Grant is starring in a movie that deals with the topics of people in relationships cheating on the other person. What made him so drawn to those scripts? Who knows. This one was much more memorable and fun than his 1957 film he made 20 years after this one. Cary Grant shows his younger charm alongside Irene Dunne.
When Lucy and Jerry arrive home after being away from each other their suspicions regarding what happened on their trips grow into accusations of affairs, and lies. Jerry suspects that Lucy is having an affair with her music teacher after she arrives home later than him from a night she claims she spent broke down, and stranded by the car. The two seek out new romances as soon as they decide on a divorce, but the two seem to have a problem with seeing the other move on, and make attempts to ruin the new love prospects.
From the beginning this movie is fun because of the chemistry between Grant, and Dunne. They seem to enjoy working with each other, and naturally Grant had a natural way with getting the women to want him on screen. Leo McCarey handles the film well by progressing the two to a very romantic climatic ending. There are a few scenes that are added in choppily, but he catches the comedic timing well between the actors.
Irene Dunne's Lucy starts off a tad annoying. For some reason she grows on you throughout the film though. Cary Grant changed a lot as far as his maturity over the years. In later films George Clooney like suaveness was present, and in his earlier ones he had a boyish charm about him like in this movie. It translates well to the situation he is in. You had no idea why the couple wanted to be together considering they didn't seem to have any deeper reasons for being with someone, but toward the end you're cheering them on to end up together, and you even begin to care.
Another highlight is the costumes of the time that make you just want to watch it to be immersed in that era. It takes the ultimate glam of the 30s, and puts it into a movie. How could people in the 30s relate to this becomes a question though? America was overcoming The Great Depression, and these characters are very hung up on wealth that most might have found not relatable. Perhaps, it was a bit escapism though. The story does a good job of humbling both characters to understanding what matters most though, and perhaps that is the point.
For romantic comedy enthusiasts you must check this out. It's the genre at one it's greatest, and provides a much better story than many you'll find these days. If you're not too much into singing in your movies then it might be a tad much. At some points it almost felt like Broadway on the movie screen. The Awful Truth ends up being a lot of fun, and a good light date movie that your boyfriend might be able to get into also.
Summary
Broadway producers decide to put on a play, Pretty Lady, during the Great Depression in 1932. Dorothy Brock is set to star until an injury leaves her sidelined, and in need of a replacement. The director, Julian Marsh, needs to insure this play is a success or his own reputation, and finances, so he takes a gamble on Peggy Sawyer who is new to the Broadway scene.
My Thoughts
I didn't think this movie would be so adorable, but it is! The acting is very dramatic, and I think it provides a very historical, insightful look at the early days of Broadway. At the beginning of the movie we are already thrown into the middle of casting where women are auditioning for the dancing routines. Peggy Sawyer makes a memorable entrance from almost walking into the mens' room, to falling asleep when call backs are being given, you can tell this isn't the scene she is used to.
The costumes, and stage are very elaborate, and glitzy. The acting is just as dramatic, and probably at times even over done. All the characters were so intriguing though including Dorothy Brock, and a few of the dancers hired for Pretty Lady. Above all though, Peggy Sawyer has some of the most memorable outfits of the 30s throughout the movie. If nothing else you should watch this for the incredible vintage attire.
When you get to the last twenty minutes you finally see the play, and what all this hard work has been about. It's very difficult to even turn away for those last minutes, because the music, and dancing is so entrancing. The memorable routines to songs like "Shuffle Off to Buffalo" will have you thinking about the movie long after. There were a number of scenes being tried for the first time, such as the camera zooming in between the dancer's legs, and few other scenes that will be obvious if you watch. You will see why this movie was nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards when you watch.
Besides few moments that lull the movie will keep you wanting to watch. If nothing else because the music will keep you there, and the way the actors handle things so dramatically. The actors on Broadway are also perceived as some wild party people in their off hours with the suggestion of sex taking place, and the drinking. Nothing is very strongly alluded to though, but if you are the modern day viewer you might get a laugh out of how certain things are snuck in.
Summary
Richard Hanney is enjoying London during his vacation until a woman runs into him after a brawl breakout asking him for help. He allows her to follow him back to his place where she then begins telling him about The 39 Steps. When the woman turns up in the middle of the night with a knife in her back Richard is sent in into a spiraling mystery that sends him from England to Scotland.
My Thoughts
I was really wanting to enjoy my first Alfred Hitchcock film, but this one I struggled to get into. It was short at 86 minutes, so you didn't have to keep your attention long, but I still found myself zoning away from it. I am wondering also if another Hitchcock film would have been better to begin with. As far as I know the most critical claim this one has garnered is in British films.
I was curious to find out what was the huge mystery about The 39 Steps, but it's so silently slipped in at the end that if you were like me, and struggling to stay focused you probably had to go back again to make sure you got it. I felt that Madeleine Carroll made the movie a lot better though. She was very entertaining, and I thought she added some comical relief. Robert Donat did a good job acting, but I found the makeup on him very distracting. That probably sounds odd, but he seemed way too primped.
There are some interesting shots in the film, and since this movie was made in 1935 you can't help but think about all the events happening around the time of this movie. I got to thinking about how World War 2 had not even happened yet for some reason. Also, for a time where special effects didn't quite exist yet they did a really good job at making certain scenes seem sort of real. The black and white film probably helped that out a little.
Despite the fact it was legendary director, Hitchcock, who directed, I was disappointed I didn't get into the movie more. I thought his directing style was good, and the plot had potential, but for some reason it didn't fully reach me. Even the actors were good, and had chemistry with each other. Perhaps, one of his films will click with me in the future.
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