Freaks 1932 - A disturbing and thought-provoking cult movie

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IMDB rating: 8,0

Director: Tod Browning
Main Cast: Wallace Ford, Leila Hyams, Olga Baclanova, Roscoe Ates

"The genesis of MGM's Freaks was a magazine piece by Ted Robbins titled Spurs. A pre-Code tale of love, deceit, and revenge at a carnival midway, with a frank-for-its-day approach to sexual gamesmanship and violent retribution among its characters, Freaks would have raised a few eyebrows under ideal circumstances. But Browning upped the ante by casting real-life human oddities in supporting roles, most of whom would never have appeared in a major studio film otherwise. You can't say that Schlitzie the Pinhead, Randian the Living Torso, or Daisy and Violet Hilton the Siamese twins are great actors, but their flatness merely adds to the film's impact. Incapable of 'acting' in the conventional sense, they are what they are, and the blunt realism of their flat onscreen affect takes this film to a place that no other film of the day would dare to go. And while Browning uses the freaks for their shock value, he also allows them to live off-stage lives that aren't played for laughs; if their final revenge is ugly, it shows them seizing power in a way that would be denied them in nearly any other dramatic context. Freaks is generally considered to be the film that killed Tod Browning's career." - www.allmovie.com

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Trouble in Paradise 1932 - The most accomplished example of the 'Lubitsch touch'

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IMDB rating: 8,2

Director: Ernst Lubitsch
Main Cast: Miriam Hopkins, Kay Francis, Herbert Marshall, Charles Ruggles, Edward Everett Horton, C. Aubrey Smith

"Ernst Lubitsch used Laszlo Aladar's play The Honest Finder as a springboard for one of his most delightful early-'30s Paramount confections. With a script by Samson Raphaelson and Grover Jones, Lubitsch derives sparkling humor from the lusty (Pre-Code) love triangle among two jewel thieves, Lily and Gaston, and their intended victim, Mme. Colet. From the opening image of a garbage gondola's gliding through the picturesque Venice canals, Lubitsch makes light of the notion that amorality lies beneath the glossy exteriors of the rich. Elegantly sending up idealized movie romance, Gaston and Lily fall in love as they attempt to rob each other blind over an intimate dinner, sealing a bond between two scoundrels. Such Lubitsch details as a hand's hanging a 'Do Not Disturb' sign on a doorknob and the shadow of a couple cast on a bed neatly communicate the nature of Gaston's relationships with Lily and Mme. Colet, complementing the clever dialogue, spiked with nimble come-ons and ripostes, and delivered with aplomb by Herbert Marshall, Miriam Hopkins, and Kay Francis. Praised for its smoothly imaginative technique and comic invention, Trouble in Paradise burnished Lubitsch's reputation as Paramount's premier purveyor of 1930s Continental class, and it is still considered one of the best adult comedies ever made." - www.allmovie.com

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Employees' entrance 1933 - Excellent look at the backstage of a department store

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IMDB rating: 7,3

Director: Roy Del Ruth
Main Cast: Warren William, Loretta Young, Wallace Ford, Alice White

"Warren William plays a high-powered ambitious executive who unflinchingly steamrolled his way to the top without regard for the havoc he left in his wake. As the manager of a Macy-like department store, he constantly browbeats his flunkies into submission, and ends-up driving at least one to suicide. Loretta Young plays the wife of one of William's minor employees (Wallace Ford), with whom the Big Boss has a brief affair during an office party. Eventually William gets his comeuppance, and Loretta is vindicated in the eyes of her hubby. A terrific example of pre-Motion Picture Production Code raciness, Employees' Entrance still causes audiences to gasp at its audaciousness when seen today
Warren William dominates the picture - just as he did in Skyscraper Souls (1932) in an identical role - as the store's completely amoral, conniving, tyrannical manager. He is perfect in the part and it is fascinating to watch a skilled actor portray a thoroughly bad character. As one of the finer actors of the decade, it is indeed a shame that William is all but forgotten today.
The rest of the cast is excellent: Wallace Ford and Loretta Young as a secretly married couple whom William tries to corrupt; Alice White as the store floozy, willing to drop her morals at William's command; Ruth Donnelly as William's no-nonsense secretary; Frank Reicher and Charles Sellon as two old men who respond in very different ways to having William destroy their livelihood; and Hale Hamilton as the store's ineffectual, absentee owner." - www.allmovie.com

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Broadminded 1931 - A Joe E. Brown vehicle with scenes stealing presence of Lugosi

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IMDB rating: 5,9

Director: Mervyn LeRoy
Main Cast: Joe E. Brown, Ona Munson, William Collier Jr., Marjorie White, Margaret Livingstone, Thelma Todd, Bela Lugosi

"Comic Joe E. Brown scores another hit in this very humorous little Pre-Code film which gives him free rein to engage in his madcap capers. Here he plays the supposedly responsible young man chosen to chaperone his highly libidinous cousin after the latter is forced to beat a hasty retreat from a Big City scandal. Brown, of course, proves remarkably capable of causing trouble wherever they travel, thus providing the film with much of its plot. With his large rubbery face & huge mouth a constant source of amusement, Brown enters the movie with much hilarity - costumed as a bawling infant at the baby party which opens the film. Further on, the scene where he finds himself locked out of his hotel room in his underwear is particularly jovial.
Most of the cast is on hand to provide support during Brown's antics: William Collier Jr. as his frisky cousin; Holmes Herbert as Collier's stern New York City father; Margaret Livingston as Collier's vindictive former flame; Ona Munson as Collier's new heart throb; Grayce Hampton as her frightful aunt.
Even perky little Marjorie White, as Brown's new gal pal, is not given much to do. The two major exceptions are statuesque Thelma Todd, delightful as a compliant actress eager to help the boys out of a nasty jam, and marvelous Bela Lugosi - the same year he would become an international star as Count Dracula - lending his malevolent presence as the fierce Gentleman From South America who menaces Brown throughout the film."

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The finger points 1931 - Depression era gangster story with a dominating Gable

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IMDB rating: 6,1

Director: John Francis Dillon
Main Cast: Richard Barthelmess, Fay Wray, Regis Toomey, Robert Elliott, Clark Gable, Oscar Apfel

"The names have all been changed, but this hard-hitting gangster tale is based on an actual newspaper headline story involving the brutal slaying of corrupt crime reporter Alfred 'Jake' Lingle, who had been suspected of betraying his boss Al Capone. Naive Southern boy Breckinridge Lee comes to the big city for fame and fortune. He starts out honest, but is unable to the resist hefty payoffs offered by crime lord Louis Blanco to suppress certain stories. Time passes and Lee does a great job for Blanco. Lee's girl friend tries to get him to go straight, but he has become too accustomed to the money and besides is too deeply mired in corruption to ever escape. In the end, he loses his life when a story about Blanco's latest shenanigans escapes his watchful eye and gets printed. Believing Lee was behind the double-cross, Blanco orders him executed and tragedy ensues.
After talkies came in, Warner Brothers didn't really seem to know what to do with Richard Barthelmess, but he hung around in starring roles quite a bit longer than most of his silent counterparts - from 1929 to 1934. Of course, most notable here is Clark Gable, sitting in the palm of Jack Warner's hand, and not being recognized by him as a star in the making. Gable is impressive here as a spats-wearing charming sinner, the gangster who sees Lee as a useful idiot - for awhile anyways." - www.allmovie.com

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The Finger Points 1931 Mp4

Kept husbands 1931 - Saucy Mackaill with a young McCrea

Dorothy Mackaill & Joel McCrea circa 1931

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IMDB rating: 6,0

Director: Lloyd Bacon
Main Cast: Clara Kimball Young, Joel McCrea, Dorothy Mackaill, Ned Sparks, Mary Carr

"A moderately amusing trifle, Kept Husbands is worth watching for a very young Joel McCrea and the little-seen Dorothy Mackaill. McCrea had a very long and successful career in movies, and seeing him this early in the game is a lot of fun; he's a bit unformed, not quite as sure of himself as he would very shortly become, but there's still that combination of steely stubbornness and vulnerability that would serve him well in future films. He handles the assignment well, although many modern viewers will find his character insufferable; indeed, the 'man's role-woman's role' dialogue will irk quite a few. Mackaill is also fun to watch. A former chorus girl who had a special beauty, her film career never really took off, but she has a unique flair. One suspects that her dramatic range was not unlimited, but she fits this part well and manages to keep the spoiled brat aspect of the character at bay and emphasize her considerable charms instead. As stated, the plot is quite dated, and there's little reality to the screenplay. The drama is bit overblown, but there are a few scenes that have a nice ring to them." - www.allmovie.com

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Lonely wives 1931 - A quite funny sex farce

Publicity picture of Esther Ralston circa 1931

IMDB link: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0022086/?ref_=fn_al_tt_2
IMDB rating: 6,3

Director: Russell Mack
Main Cast: Edward Everett Horton, Esther Ralston, Laura La Plante, Patsy Ruth Miller

"Five characters find themselves playing a lively game of musical beds in this saucy pre-Code comedy. Richard (Edward Everett Horton) is a well-known lawyer who has a rather surprising reputation as a ladykiller. Felix (also played by Horton) is a nightclub impressionist who wants Richard's permission to spoof him in his stage act. Richard tells Felix he'll grant his approval only if he can convince Mrs. Mantel (Maude Eburne) that's he's actually Richard. As Felix sets out to pull the wool over Mrs. Mantel's eyes, Richard is advising Diane (Laura La Plante), one of his clients with whom he's infatuated, that she should file divorce papers against her husband, unaware that said spouse is actually Felix. Meanwhile, while Felix is trying to fool Mrs. Mantel, Richard's wife, Madeline (Esther Ralston), shows up, and she has no trouble at all believing that Felix is her husband - so much so that Felix ends up in bed with Madeline. Lonely Wives also stars Patsy Ruth Miller and Georgette Rhodes." - http://www.allmovie.com/movie/lonely-wives-v29905

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A free soul 1931 - Lionel Barrymore gives an Oscar winning acting lesson

IMDB link: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0021885/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1
IMDB rating: 6,7

Director: Clarence Brown
Main Cast: Norma Shearer, Leslie Howard, Lionel Barrymore, James Gleason, Clark Gable

"In its day, A Free Soul was powerful stuff, and if the passing of time has diluted its impact, it still carries enough of a punch to make it worth catching today. An example of the kind of adult issues that pre-Code films often explored, Soul is daring for its portrayal of a single woman embroiled in what is clearly a sexual affair with a man; unfortunately, it dresses up this interesting situation in a melodramatic screenplay that never seems to know when to stop. This keeps Soul from being great drama - but it doesn't keep it from being quite entertaining. Clarence Brown provides highly appropriate direction; he embraces (and believes in) the melodrama without letting it get too far out of hand. Brown is blessed with a stellar cast, especially Norma Shearer. The actress is in excellent form and gives a very well modulated performance that allows her to pull out all the stops when appropriate, but also to underplay notably in several key moments. Lionel Barrymore's Oscar-winning performance is slightly more uneven - it's a bit mannered early on and always seems to be channeling Frank Morgan - but it's sensational in the climactic sequences, when it really matters. Clark Gable is a marvelous heel, and Leslie Howard appropriately noble and self-sacrificing. Despite its not inconsiderable flaws, A Free Soul makes for entertaining viewing." - http://www.allmovie.com/movie/a-free-soul-v18556/

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Possessed 1931 - Mature pre-code Hollywood drama

IMDB link: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0022276/?ref_=fn_tt_tt_15
IMDB rating: 6,7

Director: Clarence Brown
Main Cast: Joan Crawford, Clark Gable, Wallace Ford, Richard 'Skeets' Gallagher, Marjorie White, John Miljan

"Clarence Brown creates an effective melodrama that interestingly examines some of the social mores and topical concerns of the 1930's. The position of women in society is the key theme addressed by the competent director, with Crawford's portrayal being both realistic and touching. Crawford makes great use of the close-up to express inner thoughts and feelings, suggesting a whole range of emotions when she overhears Gable speak of his reluctance towards marriage. Crawford is the film's best asset and she does some great work here, providing the most memorable scenes in the picture.
The film's other triumph is the slick narrative economy employed by Brown. Possessed clocks in at around 73 minutes and is a very efficiently-produced film. MGM's trademark opulent production design suits the penthouse scenes well, with Crawford looking terrific in jewels and well-cut Adrian dresses. Cinematographer Oliver T. Marsh provides some inspired visual style in an early scene that sees Marian standing in awe at the luxury and splendor passing by her on the train. The juxtaposition of Marian's two lifestyles in this short sequence is a nice effect.
The film is let down by Gable's distinct blandness and an average script. Gable conspicuously lacks presence alongside Crawford in their scenes and his dialogue delivery is very wooden here but Crawford manages to cover for him in their romantic scenes, putting in a top-drawer 'cover all bases' performance.
Based on a 1920 play by Edgar Selwyn, Possessed had been filmed previously in 1924 as The Mirage, a vehicle for silent star Florence Vidor."

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Sin takes a holiday 1930 - Ahead of its time for liberated thinking

IMDB link: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0021377/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1
IMDB rating: 6,3

Director: Paul L. Stein
Main Cast: Constance Bennett, Kenneth MacKenna, Basil Rathbone, Zasu Pitts

"This pre-Code comedy is more interesting for its decor and reflection of the morals of the day than for its acting or story. The plot revolves around three characters, each in love with the one who isn't in love with her or him. Things work out in a way - two characters find each other and the third is left to move on. All this happens in an atmosphere of wealth, where amoral dalliance is both expected and titillating.
Gaylord (Kenneth MacKenna) quickly arranges a marriage of convenience to his secretary, Sylvia (Constance Bennett) to avoid the advances of his socialite friend, Grace (Rita le Roy). Gaylord draws up a 1 year contract with Sylvia so that there is an understanding about how they can both behave and he encourages her to travel to France and do her own thing. However, after spending time in France with Reggie (Basil Rathbone), Sylvia returns to Gaylord to ask what he truly feels....
In this film no-one is correct - everyone behaves atrociously. The men are ultimately revealed as cads or blind to their actions while the women are calculating and far more deliberate and nasty in their actions. It's interesting to watch to see who Sylvia will end up with - she ain't no angel - don't be fooled by her apparent innocence. She's just as much of a bitch as Grace as her behaviour demonstrates. We have a confrontation at the end between all the characters involved which is what we have been anticipating and the dialogue is very entertaining.
In real life Kenneth MacKenna was married to Kay Francis for about 3-4 years in the early 30s (they were divorced in early 1934). He preferred being behind the camera directing rather than out in front, so that explains his disappearance from film acting after 1933."

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