I have mixed feelings about this film.
On the negative side, it seems to wander around for a very long time before we get any idea of where it's heading.
On the positive side -- William Powell. There are a few actors (Jack Nicholson and Clark Gable are examples) who are interesting to watch...even in bad movies...although this is not a bad movie (it's not great, but better than the typical film in 1932). William Powell is another of those actors. Someone truly special. And it's interesting to watch him here. Another thing interesting here are the scenes of New York City...real scenes...not staged.
One thing to watch for, sort of early in the film, is what he does with his cigar when he meets a lovely lady. Definitely pre-code! However, there is also a sense that in today's standards, Powell's character would be considered uncouth in the way he looks at women.
Another thing notable about this film -- particularly if you are familiar with traditional pop -- is the score. Quite a few familiar tunes throughout the film.
Joan Blondell is quite good as Powell's sdcretary...who is clearly also in love with him...and wins him in the end. David Landau is fine as one of the crooked bosses, albeit one with a heart.
The question really is -- does this film truly make sense. The ways things go back and forth between good and evil and Landau being sorta good and sorta bad...well, I'm not quite sure it all makes sense...but it is fun!
On the negative side, it seems to wander around for a very long time before we get any idea of where it's heading.
On the positive side -- William Powell. There are a few actors (Jack Nicholson and Clark Gable are examples) who are interesting to watch...even in bad movies...although this is not a bad movie (it's not great, but better than the typical film in 1932). William Powell is another of those actors. Someone truly special. And it's interesting to watch him here. Another thing interesting here are the scenes of New York City...real scenes...not staged.
One thing to watch for, sort of early in the film, is what he does with his cigar when he meets a lovely lady. Definitely pre-code! However, there is also a sense that in today's standards, Powell's character would be considered uncouth in the way he looks at women.
Another thing notable about this film -- particularly if you are familiar with traditional pop -- is the score. Quite a few familiar tunes throughout the film.
Joan Blondell is quite good as Powell's sdcretary...who is clearly also in love with him...and wins him in the end. David Landau is fine as one of the crooked bosses, albeit one with a heart.
The question really is -- does this film truly make sense. The ways things go back and forth between good and evil and Landau being sorta good and sorta bad...well, I'm not quite sure it all makes sense...but it is fun!