A brilliant romantic comedy drama from Frank Borzage. First let me say I really only know 30s and 40s gangster films so the comic brilliance of Jean Arthur is new to me. This summer during lockdown I was impressed by Arthur's ability to raise all ships in her performances in The Whole Town's Talking -- stealing the entire film from Edward G. Robinson, If Only You Could Cook and the western Arizona. She was a brilliant comic actress that somehow made her leading men more interesting. This one is no different. Usually I can't stand Charles Boyer who always comes across to me as a conceited blowhard in movies. Maybe it's just my many viewings of Gaslight. "Oh, Paula!" But in this he's charming and very likeable. And sidekick and best friend Leo Carrillo is quite good (as he is supporting If Only You Could Cook). Those three are good enough for me to like the movie but then throw in Dr. Frankenstein Colin Clive who's perfectly cast as the unhinged ex husband the film reaches perfection. Normally they'd just put a boring handsome guy in that part to make Boyer more attractive. Instead they hired unhinged Clive who brings his A-game. The plot is unique and immediately stands out for being unique -- certainly for it's timeline. And it all ends with an emotional Titanicesque climax. Borzage impresses here when he uses the faces of the extras in sheer panic to really drive the emotions home. I think I've only seen Borzage's forgotten noir Moonrise (also incredible). But this is Jean Arthur's world and I'm glad I found it. The news this one is being released on Criterion is indeed great news. The copy I watched looked like it went down with the ship.
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Contestado por rudely_murray
el 16 de enero de 2021 a las 18:13
I completely agree. Brilliant film. I love Jean Arthur, especially in Only Angels Have Wings and Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.
Contestado por Steve
el 17 de enero de 2021 a las 13:53
I probably should rewatch those two!
Contestado por barrymost
el 19 de septiembre de 2021 a las 13:13
Finally watched this last night. Yes, quite a good movie indeed, a well-done comedy/drama. I enjoyed the performances of the four leads.
Contestado por TonyTonyTony
el 9 de enero de 2024 a las 09:04
This movie has it all, romance, drama, a bit of comedy and a thrilling ocean disaster. I thought it was going to conclude with a Parisian courtroom battle but they wrapped it up neatly enough. 7.5/10