It was very interesting reading the other reviews of this film. There isn't much agreement among the reviewers here. So I will add my take.
When I watch an old film, I often evaluate it as I watch it in terms of whether or not I'd like to add it to my collection. Despite Spencer Tracy being one of my two favorite actors (the other being Cary Grant), this is thumbs down, even though it has become available through the Warner Archives.
For me, the number one strike against this film is Hedy Lamarr. I've never understood the attraction with her films, and after seeing this one, I still don't. From my perspective, at best, she was attractive.
The second strike against this film, in my view, was the way in which the story progressed. I don't have a complaint about the general plot line -- dedicated doctor goes into a ritzy practice to make wife happy, but ultimately learns that he was happiest and most effective back in the poor neighborhood. Actually, good story line. But there was something SIMPLY glossy and glitzy about his temporary life in the big league that was very disappointing.
And then we come to Spencer Tracy's acting here. In my view, it may have been the one thing that saved the film. There was a time early in his career when Tracy wasn't very good at subtlety. And in my view there are two circumstances where Tracy realizes his full potential as an actor -- when he being subtle and when he is being fiery. In this film he is both, at appropriate points in the script.
To me there is not a single notable performance by a supporting actor in this film. That's not to say they are bad performances, just not notable. And there are a number of fine character actors here -- Laraine Day, Louis Calhern (one of two "bad guys" in the film), and even Marjorie Main in a rather atypical role. But, can you believe that Willie Best actually plays a character named "Sambo"????? And so, what rating do I give this film. A "6", and only because of Tracy's performance. It's one of the few Tracy films I doubt I'll watch again.
When I watch an old film, I often evaluate it as I watch it in terms of whether or not I'd like to add it to my collection. Despite Spencer Tracy being one of my two favorite actors (the other being Cary Grant), this is thumbs down, even though it has become available through the Warner Archives.
For me, the number one strike against this film is Hedy Lamarr. I've never understood the attraction with her films, and after seeing this one, I still don't. From my perspective, at best, she was attractive.
The second strike against this film, in my view, was the way in which the story progressed. I don't have a complaint about the general plot line -- dedicated doctor goes into a ritzy practice to make wife happy, but ultimately learns that he was happiest and most effective back in the poor neighborhood. Actually, good story line. But there was something SIMPLY glossy and glitzy about his temporary life in the big league that was very disappointing.
And then we come to Spencer Tracy's acting here. In my view, it may have been the one thing that saved the film. There was a time early in his career when Tracy wasn't very good at subtlety. And in my view there are two circumstances where Tracy realizes his full potential as an actor -- when he being subtle and when he is being fiery. In this film he is both, at appropriate points in the script.
To me there is not a single notable performance by a supporting actor in this film. That's not to say they are bad performances, just not notable. And there are a number of fine character actors here -- Laraine Day, Louis Calhern (one of two "bad guys" in the film), and even Marjorie Main in a rather atypical role. But, can you believe that Willie Best actually plays a character named "Sambo"????? And so, what rating do I give this film. A "6", and only because of Tracy's performance. It's one of the few Tracy films I doubt I'll watch again.