There are many aspects of this movie that make it seem like Clark Gable has taken a step forward in his career. First, the full MGM budget and supporting cast is here. At this time, Robert Montgomery and Joan Crawford were big stars and the movie isn't nearly as off-the-wall as many of the weird early Gable films (featuring him in a dizzying array of strange roles). The problem, though, is that although Gable should have probably gotten top billing, he was still a young and relatively unproven actor. In addition, the plot really needed a re-write and Gable's character just seems really needy and weak.
Here's the plot--you decide if Gable is poorly used: Joan Crawford is left waiting at the alter by Robert Montgomery who runs off with another woman. She spends most of the movie STILL trying to get Montgomery (why she would still want this schmuck, I have absolutely no idea). Gable is friends to both but secretly loves Crawford. However, he doesn't tell her because he really wants her to be happy--even if it means chasing after married Montgomery! Get a spine, man and tell her you think she's one hot tamale, you wimpy dolt!! Well, being a predictable film this eventually happens. However, if he'd just said that he loved her in the first 10 minutes, we could have been spared! I hate movies that avoid such an obvious and simple resolution.
Fortunately, despite this HUGE plot problem, the ride is enjoyable so if you just turn off your brain and watch, you will enjoy the film. But, as I said, your brain must be turned off or you'll find yourself wondering why they made Gable so spineless, Crawford so needy and Montgomery such an amazing jerk.
Here's the plot--you decide if Gable is poorly used: Joan Crawford is left waiting at the alter by Robert Montgomery who runs off with another woman. She spends most of the movie STILL trying to get Montgomery (why she would still want this schmuck, I have absolutely no idea). Gable is friends to both but secretly loves Crawford. However, he doesn't tell her because he really wants her to be happy--even if it means chasing after married Montgomery! Get a spine, man and tell her you think she's one hot tamale, you wimpy dolt!! Well, being a predictable film this eventually happens. However, if he'd just said that he loved her in the first 10 minutes, we could have been spared! I hate movies that avoid such an obvious and simple resolution.
Fortunately, despite this HUGE plot problem, the ride is enjoyable so if you just turn off your brain and watch, you will enjoy the film. But, as I said, your brain must be turned off or you'll find yourself wondering why they made Gable so spineless, Crawford so needy and Montgomery such an amazing jerk.