this is not the great cinema, ethereal experience or most romantic movie of all time - despite several reviewers insistence. it is early Powell, and while he is always watchable and just grabs you with his first look, he hasn't quite got the assurance he showed in the thin man a couple of years later. i can't quite specify, but he seems just a little off. Kay Francis plays her part very nicely, and she and Powell go well together. McMahon, as the countess is good; not a demanding roll, but deftly handled. from here on out the cast gets a bit sketchy.
McHugh overplays his part terribly and does it in dumb staggering-drunk fashion. the second time, third if you are a very forgiving person, he lets out with his breathless idiot's laugh you want to strangle him. this part could have been something; it's the chance to steal scenes from the stars. it is one of those little parts that can offer a lot to a fine actor. McHugh, in this role anyway, is not that actor. the routine would have gone over well in a 3 stooges film.
Hymer, as Steve Burke, was a disappointment, too. the figure is cut from cardboard: dumb cop, easily duped, but maybe has redeeming characteristics. he's too dumb here. there is no reason he couldn't have been smart. his portrayal really offers Powell nothing to play against. as for his redeeming characteristics, well, they didn't show me enough to explain why a smart dame like countess Betty would want to hitch her wagon to his star forever. it doesn't play.
oh. lest i forget, catch the bartender in the Brit pub in h.k.in the opening scenes. he has to be Sam Shepard's grandpa. his few seconds of fame is well spent.
i imagine all the actors were really quite competent. the writers let them down, i think. could have been much better.
McHugh overplays his part terribly and does it in dumb staggering-drunk fashion. the second time, third if you are a very forgiving person, he lets out with his breathless idiot's laugh you want to strangle him. this part could have been something; it's the chance to steal scenes from the stars. it is one of those little parts that can offer a lot to a fine actor. McHugh, in this role anyway, is not that actor. the routine would have gone over well in a 3 stooges film.
Hymer, as Steve Burke, was a disappointment, too. the figure is cut from cardboard: dumb cop, easily duped, but maybe has redeeming characteristics. he's too dumb here. there is no reason he couldn't have been smart. his portrayal really offers Powell nothing to play against. as for his redeeming characteristics, well, they didn't show me enough to explain why a smart dame like countess Betty would want to hitch her wagon to his star forever. it doesn't play.
oh. lest i forget, catch the bartender in the Brit pub in h.k.in the opening scenes. he has to be Sam Shepard's grandpa. his few seconds of fame is well spent.
i imagine all the actors were really quite competent. the writers let them down, i think. could have been much better.