The first part of this film establishes that Mary (Joan Crawford) loves Dill (Robert Montgomery) and that Jeff (Clark Gable) loves Mary. Jeff comes back to the states after a two-year stint in Spain, hoping to wed Mary, only to discover that she is marrying Dill.
The middle section of the film, which is by far the largest part, is an attempt at screwball comedy, with Montgomery trying to generate the manic energy and the whimsically silly humor that a screwball comedy requires. But the writing is too silly, and the film loses any gravitas surrounding the importance of the unrequited love. Also, all love is thwarted due to plot developments.
The final section of the film is interesting and back on track. But it is too little too late. What might have been a great comedy has already been frittered away. And the story of a great love has become second tier.
Crawford shows flashes of brilliance in her portrayal of Mary, the center of the love triangle. Gable is consistently worth watching. Frances Drake plays Connie, the other woman. She is steely strong as a woman who knows what she wants (money and status),
Designed Adrian usually produces wonderful fashions; here his results are hit or miss. His better designs only serve to incriminate the fails, like the wedding fashions in this film.
And another thing: why did anyone think that the inclusion of "Row, Row, Row Your Boat" at random times would be extremely funny? It is only distracting.
Watch for Rosalind Russell in a small part---one of her first film roles.
The middle section of the film, which is by far the largest part, is an attempt at screwball comedy, with Montgomery trying to generate the manic energy and the whimsically silly humor that a screwball comedy requires. But the writing is too silly, and the film loses any gravitas surrounding the importance of the unrequited love. Also, all love is thwarted due to plot developments.
The final section of the film is interesting and back on track. But it is too little too late. What might have been a great comedy has already been frittered away. And the story of a great love has become second tier.
Crawford shows flashes of brilliance in her portrayal of Mary, the center of the love triangle. Gable is consistently worth watching. Frances Drake plays Connie, the other woman. She is steely strong as a woman who knows what she wants (money and status),
Designed Adrian usually produces wonderful fashions; here his results are hit or miss. His better designs only serve to incriminate the fails, like the wedding fashions in this film.
And another thing: why did anyone think that the inclusion of "Row, Row, Row Your Boat" at random times would be extremely funny? It is only distracting.
Watch for Rosalind Russell in a small part---one of her first film roles.