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This is a French film so you will need to find one that is closed captioned or dubbed. There are three parts of the story starting with the film "Marius" released in 1931, then "Fanny" in 1932, and finally "César" that will be coming up in 1936.

In "Marius", the title character, the son of barkeeper César, has a romance with Fanny, a neighborhood girl and daughter of the fish salesman in the harbor. Marius follows his dreams by sailing away to travel the seven seas and leaving Fanny after a night of passion. She knows she can not hold him back from his dreams.

This film picks up where the last film ended. We now see Fanny holding out for Marius to return, though it is unsure if he ever will or if he intends to come back. In the meantime, Fanny finds she is going to have a baby. Her family is disgraced because she is unwed.

There is a wealthy man in town who has been wooing Fanny for a long time but he is over 30 years older than Fanny. Fanny sees no way out of her dilemma. But she does not want to marry him unless she tells him about her pregnancy. He is delighted and wants to have a son since he can not, being sterile. They wed and they pretend the baby is premature. Fanny is happy and all seems to be working out for the couple. However, Marius decides to come back and declare his love for Fanny. When he finds out she had his child, he plans to take Fanny and his new son away.

For being a controversial subject matter, the film is very well done and not sentimental or preachy. Orane Demazis as Fanny Cabanis is perfect in her vulnerability and strength.

The film is almost 2 hours, but the time went by quickly as the film is entertaining and very well done. I will look forward to seeing the third installment, "César".

Check out this French film. It is a Classy Classic.

Okay, this is the film that introduced Mae West to the film world. She gets to have the fun line when the hat check girls says to her: "Goodness! What beautiful diamonds!" and Mae West responds: "Honey, goodness had nothing to do with it!"

Some people only remember this film for West's debut, but the film is actually quite good on its own.

George Raft is known for playing gangsters, but in this film he is awkward around women and almost childlike when trying to improve himself. Yes, he plays a racketeer but he is sick of the speakeasys and crooked ways and wants to be a "gentleman". He is helped by the well mannered Alison Skipworth whom meets with Raft to give him elocution lessons and manners. Skipworth is a delight. Skipworth also gets some wonderful scenes with Mae West.

Constance Cummings is very good as the mysterious woman that Raft falls for. She plays her part of being "hot and cold" perfectly. And she is stunning in the film and in the costumes.

Be prepared, however, because Mae West does not enter the film until about 30 minutes into the movie. Even though she was listed as "starring", the film is really Raft's, Cummings', and Skipworth's. And don't be fooled by the looks of the promotions for the film, the storyline is light hearted and very entertaining.

I found this film delightful and I hope you will too. It is a Classy Classic with some classy stars!!

What makes this film worth watching is Nancy Carroll's performance. She is believable and excellent as she develops her character through this "risqué" story line for its time.

It is a small town. Here, reputation means everything to women who live there. Cary Grant (in one of his first major leading roles) is a playboy who has a summer home outside of the town. He has a reputation for loving and NOT marrying many women.

Carroll meets Grant at a party and likes him. When her current date dumps her, she ends up back at Grant's. After some flirtation, Grant sends her home in one of his cars.

The whole town sees Carroll coming home at 3:00 in the morning and the rumors begin to fly. Even though it was an innocent evening, before the day is out, her reputation is ruined. Carroll loses her job and is shunned by everyone. And, yet, she did nothing wrong.

An old flame, Randolph Scott, comes back into town and asks Carroll to marry him not knowing what the town is whispering about her. But the truth does come out and she is dumped by her fiancé as he says he does not want "second hand" goods.

Carroll goes back to Grant and spends the night. The next morning, Scott is looking for her to apologize to her and say that he believes she is pure and innocent afterall. Carroll has a great scene where she tells Scott: "It isn't a case of my forgiving you now. The things you believed in me last night were lies. But this morning, they're the TRUTH!" Carroll delivers these lines perfectly. A great moment.

Where does she go from there? Watch the film and see.

Nancy Carroll is a Classy Classic act in this Classy Classic!

What makes this film great and worth watching rests all on the shoulders of Carole Lombard. She is superb in this film and the camera loves her face. Pat O'Brien is a worthy partner in the film too. But when there is a scene with Lombard, you can't stop watching her.

Lombard plays a prostitute that finds a decent guy and decides to clean up her act and go straight. But her past keeps catching up to her. Mayo Methot plays a fellow prostitute that tries to help her stay on the up and up. Methot is another solid performance in this film.

Though Lombard tries to keep her past from O'Brien, it all comes out and everything becomes a nightmare for them both.

This film is a great reflection of Lombard's talents and good story.

Check out this classy classic as soon as you can!

The film takes place on a rubber plantation that Clark Gable owns. In the heat and the dust storms comes Jean Harlow. She is all sex and yet she plays it as naturally as taking a drink of water. Her banter is shocking and right on the edge of obvious. Gable takes the bait and they have an affair. They part ways and Gable lets her know it meant nothing to him

But next comes a young surveyor played by Gene Raymond and he brings along his new bride Mary Astor. Astor is all class and refinement. Clark Gable has never seen anyone like her and feels more than just lust for the first time in his life. Astor is cool and uninterested.

To make matters worse, Harlow returns due to a problem with her boat. To her, it is clear what is going on under the surface. Gable wants nothing to do with Harlow. He makes her feel like a used tramp while he worships Astor. When Gable decides to send Astor's husband away on an long trip, the friction and heat between Gable and Astor can't be controlled. Astor gives in with all her heart and body to Gable. But now Harlow remarks on the change and questions which one of them is more of a tramp - Astor or Harlow?

I won't spoil the rest of the film. It becomes quite tense and to mix it up even further, the husband Raymond returns.

As I said, the tension, both sexually and emotionally, and the stakes are all high in this film. What a winner! Astor, Gable, and Harlow are at the TOP of their craft.

So dust off the couch, sit down, and watch this classy classic "Red Dust". You might need a cold shower yourself afterwards!

This is a very entertaining film. William Powell is charming as a man who is running away from being taken to prison where he is due to be hung for murder. While on a cruise ship taking him back to prison, he meets and falls for Kay Francis. But Francis has her own back story. She is on her way to a sanatorium for her health. It is doubtful if she will make it in time and it is assumed she will die before reaching port.

Both Francis and Powell keep their secrets from each other thinking that they should just live for the moment and not worry about the future.

Warren Hymer is the tough detective bringing Powell to justice. Hymer has a sweet natural way of acting that is perfect for the role. Also on board, is Aline MacMahon as a fake countess (love her in this role) and the always drunk Frank McHugh who has his signature "ha ha" laugh.

The story moves along very nicely. It is hard to believe that Powell and Francis could fall in love so quickly - at first sight - but if you suspend the doubt regarding that issue, the film works well.

Kay Francis gets to wear some outstanding dresses in the film too that were created by Orry-Kelly, who had just joined Warner Bros. In 1932. He went on to win three Academy Awards for costume design.

The ending is bitter sweet and may bring a tear or two.

So enjoy a Paradise Cocktail (made famous by the film) and sip a toast to this Classy Classic.

This is not a GREAT classic, but it is a GREAT film that showcased Tallulah Bankhead's talents. Bankhead had had several flops with Paramount so she was loaned to MGM for this film to see if they could help her career. They gave her a new hair style to make her look more like Garbo and they gave her some amazing gowns by Adrian for the first half of the film.

The film suffers because the plot follows a "formula" plot of spoiled rich girl who laughs at poverty and then learns her lesson when the money runs out. The first half of the film is building up to her downfall and is very typical up to that point.

It is the second half of the film that really works and give something for Bankhead to do besides play a one-note rich spoiled girl. When poverty strikes, her change and slow transformation to adapt and survive is very well done. The only issue I had at this point was, even in a bread line, Bankhead looks amazing. Her hair and makeup are perfect even when dressed in rags. But that was Hollywood back then. Stars had to look good at all times!!

**** Possible Spoiler **** When her husband, Robert Montgomery, is fatally ill and she can't afford the medications, Bankhead turns to prostitution. The scene in the film where she realizes that selling herself is the only way she can make it in this poverty filled world and keep her husband alive is a great moment. It is played very real and very harshly. When you see the scene, you will know what I mean.

So the last half of the film is the best part. But it is good enough to make it worth seeing the whole film.

Experience Tallulah Bankhead in one of her best character roles making this mediocre film a Classy Classic!!

Just like I always say, any movie that has Edward G. Robinson is going to be good. Likewise, any movie that has Walter Huston in it is going to be good, and this one has Walter Huston and he is brilliant!!

I am not a big fan of safari films so when this one came up for viewing with the title "Kongo", I was not looking forward to a screening of it. The film turned out to be quite good and it touches on a lot of "taboo" topics from prostitution, rape, torture, drug use, etc.

Walter is quite a bad character and he plays it to the hilt. Lupe Velez is her normal fiery over acting self but it works very well here. Outstanding is the performance of Virginia Bruce as the beaten, used, drugged captive. She goes from a pretty little maid from a convent to a washed up and degraded low life. Even Conrad Nagel is good, but he is much better when he is acting the drug addicted character when he first comes on.

The story is very good. It has a good plot but the acting makes the film work. Walter Huston and Virginia Bruce are brilliant.

It is not a "happy" film but don't let that stop you. It is worth seeing. Don't over look this Classy Classic!!

If you want to gain an appreciation and understanding of why Edward G. Robinson was so admired and acclaimed as one of Hollywood's greatest, this film will give you a great insight. The story is a simple one. But it is a great showcase of the talents of Robinson.

"They had faces" is what they used to say of the great film actors in the glory days of cinematography. Robinson proves this point. His character has many emotional ups and downs and watching Robinson portray every moment and every nuance is a delight to watch. Any serious student of film and acting should see him in "Tiger Shark".

Richard Arlen and Zita Johann round out a good trio and make the film entertaining to watch.

A great Classy Classic.

Well, it has been quite awhile since I posted any recommendations. Since that time I have watched over 32 films released in September of 1932 and none of them were worth talking about.

Now, I just finished "Smilin' Through" and if you are not "weepy" eyed by the time you reach the end of the film, then you are not human! This is NOT the silent film version with Norma Talmadge nor the 1941 version with Jeanette MacDonald. This is the 1932 version starring Norma Shearer.

If you are expecting to see Leslie Howard young and dashing, you will be disappointed. He starts the film at about 50 and then goes all the way up to late 70's. You only see him younger in a flashback. However, the character of him as an older man works well. The makeup is good and he plays the part perfectly. Fredric March is charming and so in love.

But the real center of the film and the star is, of course, the beautiful Norma Shearer. When she comes out in one scene as a blonde in a wedding gown, she is stunning.

I won't spoil the story but it is about star-crossed lovers and missed opportunities. The scenes with Shearer and March talking about being in love are real and full of true sentiment.

Bravo to all in this film. Bravo! A true Classy Classic!

What makes a star a star? It is not just great acting. It is the expressions and looks they give when the camera is on them. You can't take your eyes off of them. No dialogue is needed. Just a look.

Irene Dunne is one of those captivating stars. And she shines in the film "Back Street". This is a pre-code film so they were able to get away with a lot more than most films of the times later.

Dunne plays a woman who falls for a man about to be married played by John Boles. After some dating, he decides to call off his engagement and marry Dunne if she will meet his mother at a prearranged outdoor band concert. Dunne is detained and misses the concert. Boles is hurt and angry and tells her so in a letter. He decides she was toying with him and goes back to marrying his financé.

Years pass and they bump into each other and fall in love again but now he is married so they have to keep the affair hidden and on the "back streets".

The film tells the story by letting us see the couple every few years. Each encounter tests their love for each other. Dunne is so lonely and at one point begs Boles to give her a child. He is shocked at the moral implications of this since he is a married man. This little scene is done very well and yet is quite shocking for the times of 1932!

There is much frustration as you watch them struggle to be together and yet have a happy life of their own. Many times I wanted Dunne to "move on" but then when you see the scenes where she is with Boles, Dunne shows you how happy she is and so alive that it made me wonder if being a "mistress" was the correct course for her. She is truly happy.

The film goes all the way to "old and grey" as we progress. There is a very nice short fantasy scene where Dunne wonders and imagines what would have happened if she had been able to keep that appointment at the band stand with his mother so long ago. How different would their lives have been?

This film is great. A true classic. Played by the actors with great restraint and realism. Irene Dunne and John Boles are simple and untheatrical. They offer us a real-life feel. A true enactment of what they are going through and their struggles.

Check out the film for Irene Dunne and you will see one of the best examples of what makes a star!! Classic and Classy!!

This is a short film but a good one. It is not a strong classic and very few actors in it were known. But the film moved me emotionally and that makes it worth reviewing.

This 70 minute film all takes place in the holding area of Death Row in a maximum security prison. There are 8 cells each containing one prisoner who is scheduled for the electric chair. Each man is unique in his back story and personality.

Howard Phillips is the only one that has a history shown in quick flashbacks. He swears he is innocent and a victim of circumstances, but his time is to die is only a day away.

The psychological torture each man goes through as their end nears is made even worse by the constant testing of the chair in the next room causing the lights to dim and the sound of a loud hum.

Phillips overacts several times but the rest of the cast ... no matter how small the part ... do a great job of playing it real and sincere. The real star is Preston Foster.

This is a film that is easy to find on the web. It does not take long to watch. Give it a chance and be Classy!!

If you ever liked the BBC series "Downstairs / Upstairs" or "Downton Abby", then you will enjoy this film.

John Gilbert goes from rich estate to rich estate hiring himself as a chauffeur. But he has his eye on a bigger prize. He wants the money and society of the families he works for. He is a true con artist making up his backstory and history to fit the person he is talking to.

Paul Lukas has just married Virginia Bruce. He is the head butler and is in charge of all the servants. He has married one of the housemaids. He tries to believe that Gilbert is a nice man who needs steady employment, but Gilbert is a true cad and adds Lukas' new bride to his list of conquests.

And the women "upstairs" are in for trouble too.

This is not played out like a soap opera at all. The characters, their personalities, their motivations, their emotions are all played out based in reality. Not always do you get to see Gilbert play such a loathsome character.

John Gilbert wrote the story hoping to produce it back in the days of silent films, but it works so much better now with sound.

This isn't the greatest film from the 1932's, but it is good and will stir up some emotions and feelings in you, I am sure. Check out this Classy Classic. The films of the 1930's are so good! And getting better!

Any film with Walter Huston is going to be good. Any film by Frank Capra is going to be good. Any film with Pat O'Brien is going to be good. Any film with Constance Cummings is going to be good. So if you put all that together, you get a great classic film!!

It is the depression and everyone is hurting for money and to keep their businesses open. Walter Huston has built a successful bank over his lifetime. He has done so by supporting small businesses and risky mortgages. He believes that when determining if a person is a good risk investment, base your decision on their character. A good character will be a good loan.

All is going well until an employee gets into gambling trouble with the mob and, out of desperation, helps the mob rob the bank. When this happens, the stories of what happened and how much was stolen get twisted and fictionalized the more they are told. Before long, the public believes it was millions stolen (it was only a little over $100,000) and it is looked at as Huston's fault. There is a run on the bank by the customers as they pull all their accounts out. Huston watches as he sees everything he has given his life to fail and fall apart.

The film is VERY well acted by all involved. And I must give a mention to the scenes with the crowd going wild and trying to get all their money out of the bank. They must have hired a million extras in the scenes showing the crowd storming the bank inside and out!! This was before the days of special effects and mirrors and planted dummies. It is a true spectacle and fits the title of "American Madness" when you see and feel the hysteria.

A great Classy Classic that I can not recommend highly enough. It would be "madness" for you not to take the time to watch this film for yourselves!!

You need to see this film for Barbara Stanwyck. She is always good. The looks and reactions she gives are always worth the price of admission. She can truly take a one dimensional character and give it life, dimension, and depth.

Now Hollywood likes to make a film sound more "scandalous" than it really is. The caption they used "She Took Another Woman's Place on Her Wedding Night!" is not shocking at all. Stanwyck needs to get away where no one knows her, so her housekeeper is about to leave for North Dakota to a remote wheat farm as a "mail order" bride but the housekeeper used Stanwyck's photo. Stanwyck convinces the housekeeper to let her go in her place since that is who the groom/farmer is expecting. She even pays her $100 to convince her. Nothing really naughty there.

Then the title, "Purchase Price" makes it sound like Stanwyck is up for sale! Not in the least. As she and her new husband, George Brent, struggle to make the farm work, they are counting on a good crop of wheat and the "purchase price" when time to sell being high.

So if you want a "scandalous" film, keep looking. This one is far from such a theme. But the theme of hate turning to love, and the eternal struggle to make a living, works beautifully in this film.

Stanwyck is perfection. And such a Classy Classic!

I think I am now confident in saying that any film that has James Cagney in it is going to be good. And this story is no exception.

Cagney plays a boxer at the top of his game. But for health reasons he must go to the desert until he is better. While at a health resort, he meets Marian Nixon and her young brother who are also there for their health. She is running low on money to stay there so Cagney returns to the city early to do some fights and earn some cash.

While in the city, he is wooed by Virginia Bruce, a rich socialite, who finds Cagney fascinating and a distraction from her boring pampered life. Cagney falls for her and forgets all about Marian Nixon. But Bruce is only keeping Cagney around for amusement. She becomes bored with him and plans to run away with another of her lovers.

The story is nothing outstanding, but it works as a whole very well because of Cagney's acting. Nixon and Bruce do a very good job too. All of the characters are real. You do not feel like you are watching actors, but real people playing out their lives.

Watch James Cagney and you will become a big fan of his work too. Get Classy with this Classic!!

Another unknown hidden gem. The film starts off in one direction and, once you think you understand where the story is going, it takes another turn in another direction.

Wynne Gibson is perfect as the girlfriend for this dumb and slow boxer played by George Bancroft. Bancroft's career as a boxer is fading and finally he is defeated by a young newcomer. John Wayne is the newcomer and you only see him in the ring and then in a short scene much later. So, if you are looking for a good John Wayne picture, this is not it.

Bancroft's manager had all his savings riding on Bancroft's winning, but, since Bancroft lost, he has lost everything. He attempts to steal the money but is killed in the attempt.

Bancroft and Gibson find out the manager had a son so they find him and realize the mother died a long time ago and the manager was all the boy had to take care of him.

In an almost comic way, Bancroft and Gibson slowly become domestic "parents" to the kid. The transition is slow and believable. There is such "heart" in the film. There is a sad scene where someone from the past bumps into Gibson and is shocked to see how plain and worn out she now is from being a "Mom" and chores, etc. It is a well played scene. It made me think about all the parents out there who lose their goals, lives, hobbies, fun, etc. When they have a child to consider (or at least some parents!)

This is a Classy Classic gem. It is worth finding it and giving it a chance!

Once again, if you don't know who Helen Twelvetrees is, then you had better get acquainted. She was a big star in the early thirties. With a name like "Twelvetrees", how is it I never heard of her before either?? I have now seen her in over 9 films, "State's Attorney" (1932), "A Woman of Experience" (1931), "Her Man" (1930), are just a few examples, with "A Woman of Experience" being excellent!

The reason I recommend this film is so you can experience the great acting job Helen Twelvetrees does in her transitioning between types of personalities in her life. It is almost as if she is playing four different characters.

First she plays a young innocent in love and blind to what she is getting into. Then she has to play cold and hard and a woman who would turn her own brother over to death row. Then she becomes crazed and frantic as she starts to see the error of her ways. And finally she does the best performance of all when she takes the witness stand and becomes a lady with no morals and brash.

The plot is "simple". She loves a man (Monroe Owsley) who is only after her for her money. Everyone sees it but Twelvetrees. Her father (played very well by Robert Warwick) forbids the marriage and so the Owsley takes her to a hotel over night, knowing it will ruin her reputation in society and her father will then force them to marry. Twelvetrees' brother (Robert Young) tries to help her out of the situation but she insists her lover is good and she loves him. Finally Young turns on Owsley and exposes him for the mercenary liar he is. The lover punches Young. Young returns with a gun and in a rage shoots the lover dead.

Twelvetrees, still in love, turns on her brother and says that she will see him go to the electric chair for what he has done. Lewis Stone plays the defense attorney for Young. But when Twelvetrees takes the stand and swears it was cold blooded murder, it looks dark for Young.

I won't spoil the end. Watching for the first time, I truly did not know if Twelvetrees was going to come through and do the right thing. You will have to see for yourself. It makes a good ending!

As a footnote, I have also been seeing a lot of Louise Beavers too in recent films. She makes an appearance in the court. It is a small part and almost unnecessary, but the studios seemed to like putting her in films wherever they could. They even had a publicity photo done with her behind Young that is not in the film. But it is good to see them promoting her either way.

So attend the intense court room drama and watch the Classy Classic called "Unashamed". You will LOVE Twelvetrees!

Okay, I can't help it. I have fallen for Jean Harlow. If you look at some of my reviews, you will see that I can't stop praising her work. So far, she has played the part of girl navigating her way through the world of men who only want her for her looks and what she can offer them. Normally, her character is strong because she knows from the "get go" what men are like and what they are after. Being wise to their ways keeps her strong and in charge.

In "Red-Headed Woman", Jean Harlow turns her role upside down. She knows she is sexy and totally exploits that to get ahead in life. She knows how to drive men crazy and she unloads that weapon on any man she wants to conquer. That man is usually an older, rich society man. Her past roles have been a "good girl" or a naughty girl with a heart of gold, but this time she is just all out BAD. I should have had a clue it would be different when she starts the film by going to a salon and having her blonde hair dyed a bright red. Too bad this film is not in color!! She looks at the results in a mirror and says: "So gentlemen prefer blondes, do they? Ha!"

Shortly after that, she even has another great line. While trying on dresses, she stands in front of a window with the sun coming through and asks the saleslady, "Can you see through this?" The saleslady says: "Yes!" and Harlow responds: "Good! I'll take it!" Those short opening scenes tell you so much about her character and where this film is going.

When we start the film, she has her eyes on a married man played by Chester Morris. He tries to resist her but when she presses herself up to him, he can not resist. It seems corny but the sex appeal is played so believably that you believe she really can get any man. She is truly a siren luring men and then destroying them.

The wife is played by Leila Hyams. She is perfect in the role showing despair, then strength, then resolve. We are also delighted by the acting of Harlow's roommate and best friend played by Una Merkel. Merkel is a delight in anything she does. She is so real and fresh.

Round the cast off with Lewis Stone (of Judge Hardy fame), May Robson (from the film "Lady for a Day"), and even a small part of a chauffeur that is played by Charles Boyer. I didn't even recognize Boyer in the part!

Why should you see the film? The team of Harlow and Morris work well together, and Harlow is outstanding in this! You want to believe she is a good girl deep down like so many other roles she has played, but there is NOTHING redeeming about her character!! She is mean and selfish through and through. But you will love her.

This film was made before the Production Code, so expect to see some pretty passionate love scenes. There is also a scene where Harlow catches her roommate Merkel wearing her brand new silk pajamas and demands she strip them off right then and there. She does and it is clear she is wearing nothing under them. Meanwhile, Harlow strips down and puts them on with a few gratuitous skin shots also! Just warning you!

Be sure to watch the film all the way to the end. There is a very short scene with Harlow driving off with her new conquest, a shaggy bearded old man, and there is a surprise in the limo. It is perfect!!

So, another Classy Classic you should check out!! Because I said so!! :-)

Very rarely do I say "That film was NOT long enough!!", but in the case of this film, I must say I was enjoying it so much I wish it had been longer. Now, don't assume the film is only 2 seconds as the title says. The film clocks in at just over 60 minutes.

The film is dark and angry and sad. Don't think you are going to get any laughs or warm fuzzy feelings from this story. In fact, the film begins right away with Edward G. Robinson's character being brought in to a room of witnesses to watch him be electrocuted for the crime of first degree murder. The doctor that is explaining the procedure to the nervous audience that is there to witness the execution tells the witnesses present that when a man is executed he lives for about 2 seconds. And in that brief time, the man's whole life can flash before his eyes. When the electric current begins, we cut away to Robinson's last month of memories until we return an hour later to the electric chair - "2 seconds later".

Robinson's character is so sad. He has hopes and dreams and is a nice guy trying to do good. But then he meets Vivienne Osborne's character. Osborne is amazing playing the part of a "ten cents a dance" girl that is sick of her life. You don't know whether she is good or bad in the beginning. Or just a harden waif who sees Robinson as a ticket to a better life.

Much takes place. Truths come out. Death. Betrayal. Murder.

In the end, Robinson is complaining because when was down and a rat, society let him live. But when he has finally done something to show he is a man and cleaning up his act, they decide to end his life. At his trial, he tells the judge: "It isn't fair! It isn't fair to let a rat live and kill a man! It isn't reasonable! It don't make sense! I won't let you do it!"

There is MUCH more I can say, but I will spoil the film and its ending. Edward G. Robinson can do NO wrong in his films. Every scene, he owns!! But Osborne also gives him a run for his money when it comes to great acting.

So see this Classy Classic and tell me if you did not find yourself wishing the film were longer. It is so good and full, you just want more!

I never heard of this film, but here is another unknown (to me) hidden gem! The story flows very well. You never look at the clock wondering "how much longer?" The film is a full and well presented narrative.

Warren William borders on a "John Barrymore" portrayal, and I am sure they competed for some of the same parts in film, but Warren William is so good. He gives his character warmth and depth and likability. John Barrymore only gives a caricature. Thank goodness Barrymore is NOT in this film, but Warren William is and does an amazing job.

There are so many good performances in this film. Sidney Fox plays the sweet ingenue that is a lot deeper and wiser than expected. But, of all the female leads, Aline MacMahon is the true stand out. She was in "The Five Star Final" with Edward G. Robinson as her first film part and she was amazing in that too. MacMahon has a real talent for playing it real and hard. Every scene she is in is played perfectly and she steals focus without even trying. She has an Eve Arden toughness and tenderness that works so well for her part.

The story is quite good too. Warren William plays a prosecuting attorney. But when he sends a boy to the electric chair and then finds out the boy is innocent, William is devastated and can't continue practicing law. When he finally comes around, he is bitter and decides to switch to a defending attorney and defends gangsters and mobsters, doing anything to get them off. He is quite successful and finds out that the money is gained by doing such sleazy jobs and getting the bad guys off from serving justice.

But when a sweet innocent girl played by Sidney Fox starts to work for him, he sees himself, corrupt and jaded, compared to her trust and faith in good and William begins to wonder if he is happy and doing the right thing.

But you can't take my word for it. You MUST see this classic for the story, the acting, for Warren Willam, Aline MacMahon, and Sidney Fox. And for me!!

If you are not in love and a big fan of Barbara Stanwyck, you will be after you see this film.

The film covers a lot of territory. It starts with Stanwyck as a young girl who is wise beyond her years. When her father suddenly dies, she takes a job as a school teacher in a very small Dutch community. The life is harsh and all about hard work and poverty. She marries a cabbage farmer and tries her best to make a life for her husband and, later, a little son that she calls "So Big". "How big is my little boy? So big!!"

Stanwyck's husband gets ill and then he too dies. She gathers her wits and puts all her money and knowledge into asparagus. There is more profit in it and over time, her asparagus becomes famous. This part of the film where she struggles to make it in a man's world for farming and marketing reminded me of the many films that Sally Fields has done like "Places in the Heart".

Meanwhile, "So Big" gives up his dreams of being an architect and goes the easy route of playing a playboy to society married woman. While doing this, he encounters an artist played by Bette Davis. Bette Davis does not like "So Big" because he is lazy and does not have any dreams or ambitions.

Eventually, "So Big" comes home to see his neglected mother and, despite not wanting to recognize it, Stanwyck realizes her son has failed and will never be a success. One of her old Dutch students comes back for a visit and he is a success because he followed his dreams. The comparison between this ambitious young man and her own son is so striking that she finally admits the difference and accepts it with grace.

Stanwyck goes from a innocent young girl to a hard woman in a man's world to an aged but content woman who knows she worked hard and did the best she could do with the cards that life dealt her. She didn't settle and never felt sorry for herself. She made the most of her life, even if her own son did not. It was an honor to watch Stanwyck's performance in her transformation in character and transition into an aging woman at peace with her life.

Bette Davis has a very small role and it is not very well acted. She was just starting out in the film and it shows. Lucky for her, Hollywood did not give up on her but gave her more and more chances to show she could become the mega star she ended up to be!! This is NOT one of Bette's best.

But it is certainly one of Barbara Stanwyck's shining roles!! She is Classic and Classy in this one and worth the time to watch this film.

This is a very good film. I have always loved Walter Huston and he does a great job in this film too. You will love to hate his character. Don't think this is a comedy like the better known TV series by that name. This movie gets heavy and dark.

Huston is a corrupt judge sitting on the bench of the night court. He gives off the air of being just and kind, but he is being paid off by the mob to release gangsters. He is making lots of money which he hides and shares with his sleazy girl played by Mary Carlisle. He is thought to be a saint by the city while he grows rich off his corrupt use and perversion of justice.

Phillips Holmes and Anita Page play a sweet couple that just had a baby. They have the bad luck of becoming acquainted socially with Huston and Carlisle. When Page is suspected that she is starting to "get wise" to Huston's corruption, Mary Carlisle and Huston set up a frame job where Page is set up in a "compromising" position. She is arrested for prostitution and comes up in court against Huston. He sends her to six months of hard labor to get her out of the way. The sad part is that Page is innocent and really does not suspect Huston or Carlisle at all. Anita Page does a great job as she screams her innocence, cries out for them to get her husband, pleads to see her baby, and all the nightmarish emotions that would come from such a set up on an innocent sweet girl.

Phillips Holmes is perfect. He can't believe his wife would sleep with a man for money, even though they are having a hard time making ends meet. He runs to the court with his baby in his arms to save his wife. He is too late. She has been sent away screaming earlier that day. To make it worse, Huston orders the baby to be ripped out of his arms and placed in an orphanage "for the baby's best interest".

The film does a great job of showing the nightmare unfolding for first Anita Page and then it shifts to the nightmare unfolding for Phillips Holmes. He tries so hard to fight his disbelief in the overwhelming evidence that is wife solicited for sex. He wants to keep his faith in her but it is hard when everyone is telling him the opposite. He has a scene where he talks to himself in a mirror and lays out how he feels and fights with his trust in his wife and the horrible guilty facts of her "double life". Good stuff. Good scene. Good acting.

Does justice prevail? Does Anita Page get out of jail? Does Philips Holmes keep his sanity? Does the baby get returned? Does Huston get his comeuppance?

For all the above answers, you should see the film. It is worth it. It is classy and classic and you know I ONLY post movie reviews of movies you really should see. So follow my court orders and see "Night Court" from 1932!

When you have a chance to see ANY film that stars Paul Muni, get ready to see a great performance. Muni NEVER disappoints.

This is the FIRST version of Scarface way before the better known Pacino's portrayal ("Say "hello" to my little friend!") If you see this 1932 version, you may wonder if this is not the better version of the two!

Muni is amazing how he completely becomes a character, no matter what the part is. The film had a hard time getting through the censors. It is gritty, violent, and puts a spotlight on the thrill of being a gangster during the Prohibition Days.

Ann Dvorak plays Scarface's sister. Just look at those wide eyes she has! Karen Morley is great as the smooth vamp that enjoys the power and thrills too.

The film has TWO endings. The original has Scarface cornered and gunned down. The censors thought he should "come to justice" instead so another ending was filmed where Scarface surrenders and is put on trial to hang. I saw the latter one without knowing there was another ending. I looked up the original ending and I liked that better where he is just gunned down. The alternate ending stretches it all out too long just to make a moral statement about "crime doesn't pay".

The censors also changed the role of his suffering Mother. She was written to be all loving and proud of her son and enjoying the money he gives her. In the film, she is ashamed of him and despises what he has become. Darn those censors! But they wanted the film to get approval to be released.

Check out this Classy Classics and see what you think of this version of Scarface. I hope you too will be a big fan of Paul Muni. There are many more of his films to come soon!

I am not a big fan of Robert Young, but he is quite good in this film. Dorothy Jordon is outstanding. Jimmy Durante is there for comic relief. Myrna Loy is seductive and evil. And even Neil Hamilton, who always comes off too stuffy and arrogant in films I have watched before, is perfect in this role. Clara Blandick (Auntie Em!!) is stellar also.

With a title of "Wet Parade", I had no idea what to expect. I had never heard of this film. It was just the next chronologically on my list to watch. I liked Upton Sinclair's writings so I knew it had to have some good characters in it at least. And it does!

The story is about alcohol and what it does in families, relationships, and careers. It also serves as a great history lesson in how the prohibition came about. I did not know that the Prohibition Movement started with the theme of "Don't Waste Ingredients to Make Whiskey, etc When It Could Be Used to Make Bread and Food Products for Our Fighting Men Overseas". With such a theme, people of America voted to "prohibit" the use of such elements to create alcohol. But the theme turned more political, religious, and moral when the theme turned into "Alcohol Is Bad!" But with Prohibition came Organized Crime and even more people dying because of poisonous bootleg being created and mobs fighting each other. One police chief says "Now there are more speakeasys than any number of taverns and bars that we had before, thanks to Prohibition." It made me think about a lot of the good and bad of such a movement. Some even question that if you want alcohol banned, do so in your own home but don't force all the homes in America to do so too.

But the history lesson comes through the venue of this entertaining and poignant screen play and all the characters play their parts perfectly.

There were some surprises and even "shocks" in the film but I won't spoil that part of it. Watch the film not knowing anything about it and enjoy the journey of discovery. Classy and a Classic!