What Men Want (1930)
4/10
It's Not Complicated, Except For the Women
21 October 2023
They want sex, of course: easy, consequence-free sex. So we get this pre-code movie in which Pauline Starke gives up her life as Robert Ellis' lover, because she's fallen in love with Ben Lyon. Ellis has been willing to pay, in gifts, in trips to Europe, in tips on the stock market. But now she's in love, and wishes to gives herself to Lyon. Ellis, a gentleman, says good luck, and changes that stateroom on the ship to a single.... then changes his mind. Something might turn up. Someone might turn up. Miss Starke might turn up.

What women want, apparently, is far more complicated. They want others to be happy. So when Lyon turns his attention to Miss Starke's sister, Barbara Kent, she's willing to step asde and let Miss Kent have a grand time. But it isn't so easy for Miss Kent, because....

This is one of those pre-code movies which promises much, like a wild party, with Miss Starke egged on to appear dressed in a turban and nothing else, but doesn't. Necking couples politely get out of the way of other couples who wish to neck. And, in the end, nothing much changes, because women are so noble, and men, however much they may try to be honorable when they feel they should, don't have to.

Phooey.
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