'Saratoga' is primarily known as being the final film of Jean Harlow, an immensely talented actress who was taken from us far too soon with much more to give. Also really like Clark Gable and they were always great together. Seeing Walter Pidgeon in his first MGM film, seeing Margaret Hamilton and Frank Morgan pre-'The Wizard of Oz' in the same film were further interest points and Lionel Barrymore was always fun to watch and always gave his all whatever the material.
While 'Saratoga' is an interesting film with a number of good things, it is not great at the same time and yet another film that could and should have done much more with its sizeable potential. A vast majority of the actors are on top form, it is wittily scripted and has surprising emotional impact. It is sad though that one of its interest points is also its biggest undoings for reasons said well already. Not much to add really, my thoughts on the film mirroring those of most here.
The film's biggest problem is the doubling and replacement for Harlow, done after her death. It is so painfully obvious and the hokiness (quite clumsy filming and the replacement doesn't really do very well at all at imitating her) really distracts from everything else. This is most apparent towards the end, where it was clear that it was done last and in a rush. That the picture managed to be completed is laudable, but this was afterthought-like and felt like a different film.
Also present is a running gag that, while not grating or too stretched, had an uncomfortable eeriness (seeing as Harlow was seriously ill at the time) that didn't really gel and it was not nice being constantly reminded when so obvious already how ill Harlow was.
For all those problems, 'Saratoga' does have a lot that works well. The best thing about it is the cast, with Harlow on sparkling form and at her most poignant. She shares irresistible chemistry with the ever dashing Gable as quite likely the most likeable bookie on film. Barrymore is deliciously crotchety and his crusty demeanour is entertaining to watch. Pidgeon would go on to better things but is charming, Morgan and Hamilton has one of the film's highlight scenes together and Hattie McDaniel's singing is a pleasure. There are some particularly good scenes, the one on the train being the favourite and the cigar one close behind.
Characters are engaging, Harlow's appeal shines throughout, and Jack Conway directs robustly for most of the film despite stumbling in the scenes where Harlow is doubled/replaced. Other than towards the end the production values are solid, the camera clearly loving Harlow even when visibly ill. The script sparkles too with wit and intelligence with the best lines going to Barrymore. The story didn't feel dull to me and was quite lively and poignant, racing neither being glamourised or trivialised.
In conclusion, could have been better but well done generally. 7/10
While 'Saratoga' is an interesting film with a number of good things, it is not great at the same time and yet another film that could and should have done much more with its sizeable potential. A vast majority of the actors are on top form, it is wittily scripted and has surprising emotional impact. It is sad though that one of its interest points is also its biggest undoings for reasons said well already. Not much to add really, my thoughts on the film mirroring those of most here.
The film's biggest problem is the doubling and replacement for Harlow, done after her death. It is so painfully obvious and the hokiness (quite clumsy filming and the replacement doesn't really do very well at all at imitating her) really distracts from everything else. This is most apparent towards the end, where it was clear that it was done last and in a rush. That the picture managed to be completed is laudable, but this was afterthought-like and felt like a different film.
Also present is a running gag that, while not grating or too stretched, had an uncomfortable eeriness (seeing as Harlow was seriously ill at the time) that didn't really gel and it was not nice being constantly reminded when so obvious already how ill Harlow was.
For all those problems, 'Saratoga' does have a lot that works well. The best thing about it is the cast, with Harlow on sparkling form and at her most poignant. She shares irresistible chemistry with the ever dashing Gable as quite likely the most likeable bookie on film. Barrymore is deliciously crotchety and his crusty demeanour is entertaining to watch. Pidgeon would go on to better things but is charming, Morgan and Hamilton has one of the film's highlight scenes together and Hattie McDaniel's singing is a pleasure. There are some particularly good scenes, the one on the train being the favourite and the cigar one close behind.
Characters are engaging, Harlow's appeal shines throughout, and Jack Conway directs robustly for most of the film despite stumbling in the scenes where Harlow is doubled/replaced. Other than towards the end the production values are solid, the camera clearly loving Harlow even when visibly ill. The script sparkles too with wit and intelligence with the best lines going to Barrymore. The story didn't feel dull to me and was quite lively and poignant, racing neither being glamourised or trivialised.
In conclusion, could have been better but well done generally. 7/10