A couple of funny comments and one humorous scene at the end do not a comedy make. Especially when it has so many elements of drama - an illegal immigrant escaping, jobless and hungry people, a city strike and some violence, a villainous lawyer, school truancy, and placement in an orphanage. No, "Romance in Manhattan" is not a comedy romance, but a drama with romance. And not so much romance, as respectful love. The sacrificial kind, as well.
Francis Lederer stars as Karel Novak, an immigrant from Czechoslovakia who must be returned to Europe because he didn't have the increased amount of money for immigration. It had jumped from $50 to $200. Distraught and knowing the hardship and time it would take to raise the money working in Europe, he jumps ship as it's leaving New York.
The rest of this film is the story of an immigrant trying to make it in the U.S. And, perhaps typical of European immigrants who had such positive outlooks and attitudes when coming to America. Only those who had endured the struggles most of them had in their home lands could comprehend their joy and happiness even with hardships in America.
Novak meets Sylvia Dennis (played by Ginger Rogers), who is herself struggling and trying to make it as an actress. She is just 19 and has been taking care of a younger brother, Frank, who is around 12. This is a good story about decency among people, hard work, sacrifice and friendship. It also shows some hard sides of humanity - a glimpse of violence from a labor strike, and a shyster lawyer. The New York City police are seen in a good light as compassionate as well as sticking to duty. J. Farrell MacDonald, as Officer Murphy, befriends Karel, Sylvia and Frank. Perhaps the experience of many Irish facing antagonism when immigrating to the U.S. tempered Murphy and some others.
Anyway goodness and kindness win out in the end. This is a good film that portrays an aspect of American life that was common for many people in the early decades of the 20th century. Younger audiences well into the 21st century who aren't inclined toward history will likely be bored.
Here are a couple of favorite lines from the film.
Karel Novak, "This house is so elegant. You have carpet, really." Sylvia Dennis, "Yes, and cockroaches too." Novak, "Cockroaches! Isn't it wonderful."
Sylvia Dennis, "Frank, did you ever stop to think what a wonderful place New York is?" Frank Dennis, "Sure - ain't we got the Giants and the Yanks?"
Francis Lederer stars as Karel Novak, an immigrant from Czechoslovakia who must be returned to Europe because he didn't have the increased amount of money for immigration. It had jumped from $50 to $200. Distraught and knowing the hardship and time it would take to raise the money working in Europe, he jumps ship as it's leaving New York.
The rest of this film is the story of an immigrant trying to make it in the U.S. And, perhaps typical of European immigrants who had such positive outlooks and attitudes when coming to America. Only those who had endured the struggles most of them had in their home lands could comprehend their joy and happiness even with hardships in America.
Novak meets Sylvia Dennis (played by Ginger Rogers), who is herself struggling and trying to make it as an actress. She is just 19 and has been taking care of a younger brother, Frank, who is around 12. This is a good story about decency among people, hard work, sacrifice and friendship. It also shows some hard sides of humanity - a glimpse of violence from a labor strike, and a shyster lawyer. The New York City police are seen in a good light as compassionate as well as sticking to duty. J. Farrell MacDonald, as Officer Murphy, befriends Karel, Sylvia and Frank. Perhaps the experience of many Irish facing antagonism when immigrating to the U.S. tempered Murphy and some others.
Anyway goodness and kindness win out in the end. This is a good film that portrays an aspect of American life that was common for many people in the early decades of the 20th century. Younger audiences well into the 21st century who aren't inclined toward history will likely be bored.
Here are a couple of favorite lines from the film.
Karel Novak, "This house is so elegant. You have carpet, really." Sylvia Dennis, "Yes, and cockroaches too." Novak, "Cockroaches! Isn't it wonderful."
Sylvia Dennis, "Frank, did you ever stop to think what a wonderful place New York is?" Frank Dennis, "Sure - ain't we got the Giants and the Yanks?"