Aside from its main idea, this movie bears little resemblance to Nathanael West's celebrated novel. That's actually most fortunate, because while the book is certainly most stylishly written, you can't translate literary finesse to the screen. You need more than an intriguing central character. You need a well-defined supporting cast, and above all, an attention-grabbing plot, set in motion by your lively, fascinating characters.
All this, the Praskins screenplay abundantly supplies. And when you add charismatic players to give color and life to your script and a skillful director to make it move on the run, plus a producer who is prepared to spend top money to ensure everything impacts as breathtakingly real, you're in seventh heaven.
Lee Tracy has one of his best roles, Sally Blane looks great, Isabel Jewell makes her mark, and even Sterling Holloway contributes an appealing characterization.
The DVD formerly available from VintageFilmBuff rates 9 stars, in my opinion. And it's also available as a double disc with Lee Tracy's 1934 venture, You Belong To Me.
All this, the Praskins screenplay abundantly supplies. And when you add charismatic players to give color and life to your script and a skillful director to make it move on the run, plus a producer who is prepared to spend top money to ensure everything impacts as breathtakingly real, you're in seventh heaven.
Lee Tracy has one of his best roles, Sally Blane looks great, Isabel Jewell makes her mark, and even Sterling Holloway contributes an appealing characterization.
The DVD formerly available from VintageFilmBuff rates 9 stars, in my opinion. And it's also available as a double disc with Lee Tracy's 1934 venture, You Belong To Me.