The Awful Truth (1937)

The Awful Truth (1937) ★★★★★ 4/5

Jerry Warriner (Cary Grant) is introduced in the film trying to get a quick tan before heading to his wife who believed him to be in Florida for a week. Where he was, we don't really know, but it certainly wasn't somewhere a married man should be. When he does return home, he finds his wife Lucy (Irene Dunne) with company of her own, Armand Duvalle (Alexander D'Arcy). She too has not been home, and had spent a weekend away with him. The two realize that neither is necessarily faithful and think perhaps the best thing to do is divorce.

Lucy moves out and soon finds herself engaged to Dan Leeson (Ralph Bellamy), a wealthy Oklahoman. Jerry himself begins to date Barbara Vance (Molly Lamont) and the couple is often seen in the social pages. Throughout each of their new affairs, they find themselves often interfering in each others relationships. Lucy has custody of their dog Mr. Smith, and Jerry visits regularly, usually when Dan is visiting. Lucy, upon a visit to Jerry's home, accidentally answers the phone when Barbara calls. To cover this up, Jerry says it's his sister. To his surprise, Lucy shows up at a dinner event Barbara's family is hosting. However she shows up as Jerry's sister.

By the end of the night, the two end up heading to a family cabin, and they realize how happy the really are with each other.

This film is a screwball comedy with the highlights being scenes where Lucy is playing Jerry's sister, the two are pulled over because of a loud car radio and where Mr. Smith's hide and seek interrupt a visit from Armand, Jerry and Dan. The film is fun and light hearted. The two are enjoyable as they take turns sabotaging each others relationships without doing so at the expense of the person the opposite has begun dating. it is a fun film and quite typical of other films of that era. Irene Dunne plays comedy quite well, as does Cary Grant. Dunne is also very reminiscent of Katharine Hepburn and certainly holds her own in the comedy arena.

The Public Enemy (1931)

The Public Enemy (1931) ★★★★★ 4/5

In 1934, The Hays Code went into effect in Hollywood. This code limited violence and profanity in films which made for a much lighter, romantic and music Hollywood. It was movies like The Public Enemy which helped bring the Hays code into effect. The Public Enemy was a gangster movie which followed the life of Tom Powers (James Cagney).

The movie starts with Powers getting into trouble as a boy with his friend Matt Doyle (Edward Woods). The two get involved with stealing and petty theft. As time carries on, the crimes become more and more involved and they end up working for Paddy Ryan (Robert Emmett O'Connor). Powers works his way up and earns the respect of the men on the street. At the same time, he looses the respect of his brother Mike (Donald Cook). While Powers slips further into the underworld, his Mother (Beryl Mercer) fails to accept what his son has become. Eventually, Powers messes with the wrong guys, or in this case, the wrong guy's girl, and gets what's coming.

As far as plots, it's nothing we haven't seen before. Although, this was the movie, along with a few others from the pre-Hays era that inspired everything we have seen. For this alone it is worth seeing the film, and it is important to see it if you are a movie lover. Acting wise, it is well ahead of it's time. Topic wise, I was shocked by many scenes in the movie. While the content is mild by today's standard, in 1934 this movie was way ahead of it's time. There was murder, there was adultery, there was spousal abuse. One of the most famous scenes in the history of film is in The Public Enemy. That is the scene in which James Cagney physically assaults his on-screen girlfriend Mae Clarke by pushing a grapefruit into her face. It's a brilliant scene. It is both funny and saddening at the same time. While the act is funny, the abuse it reflects is not. Upon it's original release, this scene was banned in several cities. Many cities however chose to ban the entire movie. The scene involving the scandalous affair between Powers and the girlfriend of his rival came as a complete shocker. There is often flirting and what not in older movies, but in this film, she turns off the light, makes some innuendos and heads toward the bed. That's a rariety to see in any 30's film, let alone in a scene where the main characters involved are married. Murder and gun play are very predominant in this film. The final scene made my jaw drop and I couldn't believe how incredibly harsh the ending was.

It should also be noted that Jean Harlow appears in this film. He role is small, but she is a Goddess on the screen and makes for a perfect addition to this gritty classic about gang life in the 30's. The movie is one you do need to see. It is well done and enjoyable. It also paves the way for future gangster films.

The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938)

The Adventures Of Robin Hood (1938) ★★★★★ 4/5

Shot in 1938, this film made a dazzling use of technicolor. The costumes are vivid and bright, and outlined with sequins and jewels. The royal court is bright and festive with colored flags and robes. Outdoor scenes are lush with green foliage. It's no wonder this film won an Oscar for Best Art Direction. Olivia de Havilland as Maid Marian is ravishing in this early use of color. In addition to impressive art direction, the film aslo won for Best Editing, which is no surprise either. As I watched the film and the chase scenes on horseback, I immediately was impressed by the nature of the scenes. The background, obviously added later, moves in time as the chase progresses, and while it is no match to today's effects, it certainly was quite advanced for 1938.

There is not too much to say about the storyline that isn't known about Robin Hood. Robin Hood (Errol Flynn) looks to find peace and happiness for his village of Saxon against the tyranny of Prince John (Claude Rains), who has declared himself King of England in the absence of King Richard (Ian Hunter). He reigns havoc, raising taxes and torturing the towns people. Robin Hood leads Little John (Alan Hale, Sr.), Friar Tuck (Eugene Pallette) and Will Scarlet (Patric Knowles) in the revolution. They rob from the rich and give to the poor. Robin Hood brings order to the forest, helps King Richard reclaim his throne and wins the love of Maid Marian.

This is a true swashbuckling movie and Flynn's most famous role. It is this film that inspired Robin Hood films for decades. Flynn's charismatic persona and acrobatic stunts demonstrate why he was such a popular matinee idol. Movies like this helped shape and define the action genre. It is a well done movie and lacks much of the over dramatic acting associated with early action films.

Duck Soup (1933)

Duck Soup (1933) ★★★★★ 4/5

Duck Soup starts immediately with an extremely current topic. The government of the fictitious Fredonia has gone Bankrupt and is looking for funding from alternative sources. In this instance, the extremely wealthy Mrs. Teasdale (Margaret Dumont) plans to donate millions of dollars, but only if the current leader steps down and allows the country to be run by Rufus T. Firefly (Groucho Marx).

The leaders of Fredonia agree that the present leader should step down and soon Firefly, along with his assistant Bob Roland (Zeppo Marx), is heading the country. While the budget issue is resolved, there is a new threat of war from a neighboring country of Sylvanian lead by Trentino (Louis Calhern). In an effort to gain the upper hand as the threat of war approaches, Trentino hires two spies. These spies, Chicolini (Chico Marx) and Pinky (Harpo Marx) are completely incompetent. Eventually they become associates of Firefly and when battle ensues, they help Firefly win the war.

The plot of this movie is nothing more then a stage for the Marx Brothers to use witty dialogue and fast paced gags. The movie is quick. Constant movement and play on words comprise the bulk of the movie. It's a film you can't look away from because you might miss something. Chances are even if you are watching you will miss something. One liners delivered through the film are play on words that in some cases are so subtle that you might not get them until after they have been slung. Poor enunciation of several words is used to further bring along dialect unexpected. Many times I was actually throw back as to how sexual in nature some of the comments were. While today, sexual dialogue in movies is nothing new, the implied meanings of some of the lines seem quite bold for 1933. Clearly, this film was years ahead of it's time in the medium of film.

Physically, the comedy is a combination of what the Marx Brothers learned in their Vaudeville days with a new twist as a result of editing. Smooth choreography and constant motion allow for antics to be performed throughout the film. Chico Marx and Harpo Marx work well together in scenes where they antagonize a third part. There are two scenes in particular here. One involving their report to Trentino on Firefly's activities. Another involving a lemonaid salesman
(Edgar Kennedy) who the duo annoy beyond belief. Amazingly, Harpo Marx does it without speaking a work . . . or even blinking. Halfway through the film I realized Harpo Marx never blinked. I then became fixed on trying to find a moment where he blinks. I failed to find that.

There are subtle things throughout the film which help to make it a classic in the sense that you will never see the same film twice. Everytime you watch it you will pick up on something new. Whether it be a missed one liner, a subtle physical movement or the references. Throughout the film, the music used comes from other sources. It is a primitive form of sampling and for those of you who know music well, you should be paying attention to what is playing in the background during different scenes. The music picked correlates to the scene. Another thing you may notice the second time around is the costume changes. This holds particularily true in the war scene. I also couldn't help noticing how fit Zeppo Marx was.

Of course the most famous scene in the movie is the mirror scene. In this scene, a giant mirror is broken. This happens while Groucho Marx chases Harpo Marx. In having no place to hide, Harpo Marx goes on the opposite side of where the mirror would have been and mimicks Groucho Marx move for move. A very well done and entertaining scene.

The influences of this movie can be seen even in comedies of today. Whether it is playing music related to a scene, editing in/out props, slapstick, one liners, gags, or whatever, this movie really did have an impact. Let's not forget that each of them played a character and stayed true to that character from film to film, and even from film to television. While true it is not a great movie in terms of story, it is a fine exmple of why the Marx Brothers were such a powerful force in entertainment from the 20's to the 70's. This movie solidifies their existence as major stars. Every movie buff and pop culture junkie knows who these brothers are. Admittedly, if it wasn't for this book, I probably never would have seen this movie. I am glad I did because it helps to see why the Marx Brothers are held in such high regard. You must see this movie to appreciate how the Brothers transformed from Vaudville to Film, as well as how comedy was intially presented in the medium.

Swing Time (1936)

Swing Time (1936) ★★★★★ 4/5

This delightful story starts off smart and fun right as it opens. John "Lucky" Garnett (Fred Astaire) is about to head off to be married to Margaret (Betty Furness) after finishing work. However his coworkers know that if he gets married his career is over. Since Garnett is the star attraction of their dance troupe, they know their performances wouldn't bring in any money. To prevent the marriage, Garnett's "friends" do everything they can to hold up and stall the wedding. The big ploy is telling him his tuxedo trousers need to be hemmed. "Pop" Cardetti (Victor Moore) is instructed to take the pants to be altered but the alterer will not make such changes to tuxedo pants. Eventually Pop brings the unaltered pants back and sends Garnett to be married. When he reaches the bride's home he finds the guests are gone, the wedding is cancelled and the Bride's Father is furious stating he will never allow Garnett to marry Margaret after this incident. Garnett suggests Margret and him should be married if he can make $25,000 and the Father agrees. So Garnett heads to New York City with Pops to make some money.

At the train station he is intercepted by his friends who try to detain him from the train by taking their money earned at the last performance back. This doesn't stop Garnett and Pops though. The two jump aboard a freighter train and shortly end up in New York . . .with nothing but a quarter. It is with this quarter they meet a beautiful red head. Garnett asks her to break change for the quarter to get Pops some cigarettes. The cigarette machine is a jackpot of sorts, spitting out money and cigarettes. Pops grabs a quarter and tells Garnett to get the original quarter back from the girl. She refuses the exchange and is annoyed by the disruption. When she drops her purse, Pops swipes the lucky quarter from it and she notices it missing. She summons an officer and he sides with Garnett telling her to move along. It is then that Pops reveals to Garnett he has the quarter. Garnett follows the girl to return it learn she is a dance instructor.

At the dance school he learns her name to be Penny (Ginger Rogers) and he opts for a complimentary dance lesson. He pretends to be awkward in his dance and at one point bringing her to the ground. Her boss sees this and fires her on the spot. Feeling bad, Garnett explains she should not be fired and performs a delightful dance with her to show off her ability. This scene is light and elegant. The dancing is superb and a testimony to the perfection of Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire. After seeing the two dance, Penny's boss calls a nightclub and lines them up with a job.

Through the film we watch the couple grow attracted to each other. Garnett wants to be with Penny but can nt because he is still engaged to Margaret. Penny is constantly courted by bandleader Ricardo Romero (Georges Metaxa). To prolong his stay in New York, Garnett makes as little money as he can to avoid going back home with $25,000. When Penny does find out Garnett is engaged, she accepts a proposal from Romero. Margaret comes to New York to tell Garnett she is engaged. Once he hears this, Garnett and Pops stall the wedding between Romero and Penny by using the hem trick that was introduced in the first scene of the movie.

The movie is funny and quite charming. Through the film, the interaction between Pops and Penny's friend Mabel Anderson (Helen Broderick) keep the film fresh. There is witty bickering between them as well as between Garnett and Penny. The dance numbers are entertaining and it is a spectacle to watch Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire move together as one. Seeing this film truly makes you understand why they worked so well together. Fred Astaire also performs a memorable solo in the "Bojangles of Harlem" number where he dances in front of a screen showing three shadow images of himself. Considering production values in the 1930's, this scene was quite spectacular and well ahead of it's time. To this day, the influence of this scene can still be seen in film, tv, commercials and music videos.

Musically, the film earned an Academy Award for the song "The Way You Look Tonight." A song that has been used repeatedly in film and stands the test of time. Other notable songs that one would recognize in the film are "A Fine Romance" and "Never Gonna Dance."

I gave this film 4 out of 5 stars, but almost feel guilty about it. I am on edge with this film thinking it might actually deserve 5 out of 5 stars. It is a must see film for movie lovers and entertains, quite well. I might actually rewatch this again to see if in fact I should bump it up. Watch this one and see what you think!

The Thin Man (1934)

The Thin Man ★★★★★ 4/5

Dorothy Wynant (Maureen O'Sullivan) and her fiance Tommy (Henry Wadsworth) explode into Dorothy's Father Clyde's (Edward Ellis) laboratory to announce to her father that they are going to be married. After the announcement they leave excited for the wedding and Dorothy looking forward to her father walking her down the aisle when the time comes. Before leaving her Father indicates he is going to be going on a trip but gives no indication to anyone as to why, where or when. On Christmas Eve, shorty before the wedding, there is no sign of Dorothy's Father and she expresses her concern to retired Detective Nick Charles (William Powell). Nick tells them not to worry and is soon greeted by his wife Nora (Myrna Loy) and their dog Asta. The tone is set with likable characters and feel good scripting.

Quickly the scene shifts to the Wynant home where Dorothy is telephoned by Charles and informs her that her Father is no longer missing. Dorothy begins to talk to her Mother Mimi Wynant Jorgenson (Minna Gombell) and their family dynamic is laid out. Dorothy's parents are divorced and her Mother relies on money from her ex-husband Clyde. However she is finding the money is going towards his new love interest Julia (Natalie Moorhead). Mimi decides to go and confront Julia only to find her dead. Dorothy finds her ex-husband's bracelet and immediately implies he is the murderer. However rather then turn him in, she tries to hide the bracelet in a safe only to be caught by Dorothy.

Nick and Nora host a fabulous party. The party is crashed by police and reporters who have heard that Nick was working the case. According to Nora, the only case he is working on is a "case of scotch." The comical lines are smooth and delivered with no force or awkwardness. Dorothy arrives to confession she committed the murder and to ask for Nick's help. Mimi then shows up to try to get help finding her ex-husband to let him know what she knows. Or think she knows. Naturally the reporters see this and think that Nick is working the case.

Plot twist and turns, and a few more murders bring Nick to conclude he knows who the murderer is. For him to prove it, and solve the mystery, he devises a plan. A dinner party where all the suspects are involved. At the party Nick begins to unravel the mystery and share his findings. He reveals to Dorothy that one of the bodies they found was that of her Father. He proceeds to explain how Clyde's bracelet ended up at Julia's murder scene. Throughout the scene he seems to make up what might have happened and only Nora knows that his theory may not be all together true. As he explains, the guests pipe in with their objections. Finally a gun is pulled by one of the guests. The mystery is solved and the murderer is identified.

Nick and Nora delightfully entertain the guests and keep the party rolling. The relationship between the couple is delightful. They have full trust and respect for each other. Powell and Loy are indeed a magical couple on screen and they pair together nicely. So nicely in fact that I would watch other movies starring them. Somehow they have been overlooked in studies of the silver screen. How these two have not become as well known as the pairings of Gable & Leigh, Tracey & Hepburn or Astaire & Rogers is beyond me. On screen they come off as real. The way they talk, act and interact. They love each other and it is not an over dramatic, corny love. It is genuine.

The highlight of the film is the relationship between Nick and Nora. They are so idea as a couple. so playful. There is a scene where the two are relaxing i their home enjoying their Christmas gifts. It is a scene unlike any other I have seen. The couple is lounging in their pajamas. Nick playing with a gun like a little boy and Nora watching on while she lavishes her new fur coat. The two lazily occupy the screen as one would expect to see on a reality TV show. The two become pulled further into the investigation of the murder and while it is the plot of the film it hardly becomes relevant as Powell and Loy could carry the film regardless of what the subject matter was. One might actually wonder if the title character's of Nick And Nora's Infinite Playlist (2008) took inspiration from The Thin Man.

I would guess this movie is on the list specifically to see the performances of Powell and Loy. Their interaction holds up today much better then that of other onscreen couples from the 1930's. There is a realism to their chemistry that you don't often see on screen. for this alone the movie is worth seeing. As far as being a murder mystery, it is not long or drawn out. The plot doesn't get complex or drag on with unbelievable storylines that are twisted and hard to follow. In fact the movie has very little time spent on trying to solve the mysteries. Everything kind of happens and then the time spent on explaining it takes place during the dinner scene. The comedy in the movie is not exaggerated either. The one liners are not off the wall zingers or randomly positioned to evoke a laugh. They are most often comments that follow the story line and can be perceived in two ways: either figuratively or literally. Such a classic line is "Would you serve the nuts? I mean would you serve the guests the nuts?" Sly and clever lines line this can be found through the whole movie.

If you do like it, it is the first in a series of 5 more films that followed.