I had the great pleasure of rewatching One Way Passage recently. It is a film about love, life, and death with a remarkable ethereal charm. Dan (William Powell) is of the criminal element and under threat of the hangman's noose, but easily forgiven for "croaking the dirtiest heel that ever lived." Joan (Kay Francis) is a darling of a socialite with an apparent heart condition that has her days numbered. Together on a month-long crossing from Hong Kong to San Francisco via Honolulu, "the world and time seem somewhere else," she remarks. It blossoms into a sacrificial love of mutual devotion. To help her he forgoes a chance to save his neck, and she taunts death all the while by disobeying her doctor's orders to remain at rest.
I love the Golden Age of Hollywood, but not so much for the comedy. One Way Passage is exceptionally funny thanks to Aline MacMahon as Betty, a con artist who masquerades as a countess and Frank McHugh as the thief, Skippy. They are also two of the best friends any film character ever had. I have not seen a better example of honor among thieves. The subplot between Betty and Warren Hymer's sympathetic and honest cop, Steve, is very much welcomed.
New Year's Eve in Agua Caliente is a most happy occasion as the film ends. Their hope of an afterlife came true. A beautiful idea, however much I struggle to fathom it.
I love the Golden Age of Hollywood, but not so much for the comedy. One Way Passage is exceptionally funny thanks to Aline MacMahon as Betty, a con artist who masquerades as a countess and Frank McHugh as the thief, Skippy. They are also two of the best friends any film character ever had. I have not seen a better example of honor among thieves. The subplot between Betty and Warren Hymer's sympathetic and honest cop, Steve, is very much welcomed.
New Year's Eve in Agua Caliente is a most happy occasion as the film ends. Their hope of an afterlife came true. A beautiful idea, however much I struggle to fathom it.