Dialogue in the movie tells us love is the cause of jealousy. Since George Murphy's character has a jealous streak a mile wide, he must really be in love with pretty Nancy Carroll. But in addition to all of this love and jealous behavior, Murphy exhibits quite a temper.
He knows how to knock the stuffing out of other men, especially in the ring since he's a professional boxer. However, he starts to lose his cool outside the ring, and one evening he slugs Carroll's rich boss (Donald Cook). This is because he is under the impression that Cook, who's regarded as a player, is making Carroll work late hours in order to put the moves on her.
When Murphy decks Cook, it is witnessed by reporters. So it doesn't take long for the incident to find its way into the local papers. Murphy's temper has become legendary. Carroll, not able to handle the stress from their relationship, gives an engagement ring back to Murphy. This only intensifies his hatred against Cook.
All of these early scenes set the proverbial stage for more trouble that will occur. Another altercation between Murphy and Cook takes place, but on this fateful occasion, Murphy's rage against Cook goes too far. It isn't murder, is it? Murphy's career now appears to be over; everything he's been working towards is lost.
Carroll, still in love with the lug, ends up taking the blame. Watching the film, a viewer will figure she's either dumb or just too noble and self-sacrificing. We're supposed to sympathize with her situation.
While the plot is quite unrealistic in spots, the performances of the two leads are quite good. They ground the melodrama with a certain degree of honesty and truth. Nancy Carroll, who reminds me of another popular precode actress named Helen Twelvetrees, has a soulful way of emoting. Her expressions feel authentic.
As for George Murphy, he's just starting out here. But it's easy to see why he became a star. There's a boyish wholesomeness that he projects on screen, conveying a very assured brand of masculinity. He's not the cocky type, and I think most actors in this sort of role would probably play up the alpha male aspects of the character. But Murphy doesn't resort to such obviousness. He's genuine, confident, and he seems to be at ease with his fellow cast. Even though he's playing a jerk!
The end of the film seems a bit off, as if the script had been approved before the production code took affect. But then, because of new restrictions placed on studio filmmaking and the need for a happy ending, our couple somehow overcomes the gargantuan odds against them.
The copy I watched was pretty thrashed, as if it had taken a few beatings from Murphy's fist. I'm jealous of moviegoers who saw a nice looking print in 1934.
He knows how to knock the stuffing out of other men, especially in the ring since he's a professional boxer. However, he starts to lose his cool outside the ring, and one evening he slugs Carroll's rich boss (Donald Cook). This is because he is under the impression that Cook, who's regarded as a player, is making Carroll work late hours in order to put the moves on her.
When Murphy decks Cook, it is witnessed by reporters. So it doesn't take long for the incident to find its way into the local papers. Murphy's temper has become legendary. Carroll, not able to handle the stress from their relationship, gives an engagement ring back to Murphy. This only intensifies his hatred against Cook.
All of these early scenes set the proverbial stage for more trouble that will occur. Another altercation between Murphy and Cook takes place, but on this fateful occasion, Murphy's rage against Cook goes too far. It isn't murder, is it? Murphy's career now appears to be over; everything he's been working towards is lost.
Carroll, still in love with the lug, ends up taking the blame. Watching the film, a viewer will figure she's either dumb or just too noble and self-sacrificing. We're supposed to sympathize with her situation.
While the plot is quite unrealistic in spots, the performances of the two leads are quite good. They ground the melodrama with a certain degree of honesty and truth. Nancy Carroll, who reminds me of another popular precode actress named Helen Twelvetrees, has a soulful way of emoting. Her expressions feel authentic.
As for George Murphy, he's just starting out here. But it's easy to see why he became a star. There's a boyish wholesomeness that he projects on screen, conveying a very assured brand of masculinity. He's not the cocky type, and I think most actors in this sort of role would probably play up the alpha male aspects of the character. But Murphy doesn't resort to such obviousness. He's genuine, confident, and he seems to be at ease with his fellow cast. Even though he's playing a jerk!
The end of the film seems a bit off, as if the script had been approved before the production code took affect. But then, because of new restrictions placed on studio filmmaking and the need for a happy ending, our couple somehow overcomes the gargantuan odds against them.
The copy I watched was pretty thrashed, as if it had taken a few beatings from Murphy's fist. I'm jealous of moviegoers who saw a nice looking print in 1934.