A not very thrilling early sound film that capitalized on Ronald Colman's knack for knowing how to act in the new medium when so many of his fellow actors did not.
He plays a jewel thief in this one, and most of the film takes place in an aristocrat's mansion and revolves around his efforts to steal a necklace from a rich society matron. The film isn't really exciting, especially dramatic, or funny, not even when you suspect it's trying to be. It might be kind of cozy to come across on a rainy day, I suppose, but there are a million other old movies that would be cozier.
Since this movie was nominated for Best Sound Recording at the Academy Awards in the first year of that category's existence, I was curious to see if the sound was notably better than other movies from that same time period. I will say it's pretty clear and crisp, though certainly nothing special by today's standards.
Grade: C
He plays a jewel thief in this one, and most of the film takes place in an aristocrat's mansion and revolves around his efforts to steal a necklace from a rich society matron. The film isn't really exciting, especially dramatic, or funny, not even when you suspect it's trying to be. It might be kind of cozy to come across on a rainy day, I suppose, but there are a million other old movies that would be cozier.
Since this movie was nominated for Best Sound Recording at the Academy Awards in the first year of that category's existence, I was curious to see if the sound was notably better than other movies from that same time period. I will say it's pretty clear and crisp, though certainly nothing special by today's standards.
Grade: C