There are a few films that simply defy description. In the early days of sound, every movie seemed to be an experiment of some type. Some have held up quite well, but most are only of interest to historians and buffs. A few are simply unbelievable. Golden Dawn, for example, leaves audiences totally speechless (that Oscar Hammerstein II contributed to this disaster is fascinating).
For many years, the three MGM films that Cecil B. DeMille were rarely seen nor discussed. When they were finally unearthed, "Dynamite" turned out to be rather good, particularly since it had great performances by Charles Bickford and Kay Johnson. "The Squaw Man" has its champions, but not many; it was clearly a hand-me-down from a different era. It was DeMille's second MGM film that is remembered more than the other two. As other reviews state, it is one of the strangest movies made by any director. The fact that it was made by DeMille makes it truly a cult item.
First of all, what made DeMille think that a movie about infidelity among the rich would bring in audiences in the first wave of the depression? Clearly this was supposed to be a drawing-room comedy that had a lot of music and singing. The script is woefully unfunny and dated even for 1930, with everyone trying too hard (Roland Young and Reginald Denny are just plain embarrassing). Johnson was a good actress, but I can't imagine any actress of the time pulling off this role. Modern day audiences scream with laughter when the first song is sung by Johnson's maid, as it comes from out of nowhere, and then Johnson 'talks' the rest of the song. Lillian Roth does the best she can, and actually adds some energy to a rather staid first-half. This first sequence is long and ultimately boring, being neither funny nor ultimately interesting.
The second half is the party sequence on the zeppelin, something only DeMille could come up with. It's a pity that this was not released in color, as the costumes and overall set design are impressive even in black and white. This sequence is spectacular, surreal and beyond indulgent, and once again, depression audiences could not have taken comfort in the sheer waste of money that certainly shows on the screen. I would love to have seen Louis B. Mayer's face after seeing this movie.
This is certainly worth a look once.
For many years, the three MGM films that Cecil B. DeMille were rarely seen nor discussed. When they were finally unearthed, "Dynamite" turned out to be rather good, particularly since it had great performances by Charles Bickford and Kay Johnson. "The Squaw Man" has its champions, but not many; it was clearly a hand-me-down from a different era. It was DeMille's second MGM film that is remembered more than the other two. As other reviews state, it is one of the strangest movies made by any director. The fact that it was made by DeMille makes it truly a cult item.
First of all, what made DeMille think that a movie about infidelity among the rich would bring in audiences in the first wave of the depression? Clearly this was supposed to be a drawing-room comedy that had a lot of music and singing. The script is woefully unfunny and dated even for 1930, with everyone trying too hard (Roland Young and Reginald Denny are just plain embarrassing). Johnson was a good actress, but I can't imagine any actress of the time pulling off this role. Modern day audiences scream with laughter when the first song is sung by Johnson's maid, as it comes from out of nowhere, and then Johnson 'talks' the rest of the song. Lillian Roth does the best she can, and actually adds some energy to a rather staid first-half. This first sequence is long and ultimately boring, being neither funny nor ultimately interesting.
The second half is the party sequence on the zeppelin, something only DeMille could come up with. It's a pity that this was not released in color, as the costumes and overall set design are impressive even in black and white. This sequence is spectacular, surreal and beyond indulgent, and once again, depression audiences could not have taken comfort in the sheer waste of money that certainly shows on the screen. I would love to have seen Louis B. Mayer's face after seeing this movie.
This is certainly worth a look once.