Those fascinated with CRIME and have a weakness for these Pre-Code Hollywood productions, are going to appreciate this tale of seedy train station life. Douglas Fairbanks Jr, the most handsome guy of 1930's Hollywood, is utterly suave here, as Chick Miller, the transient vagrant, fresh out of jail and looking for a score. He finds an opportunity when a rich drunk loses his suitcase and ol' Chick helps himself to the nice suit and the bank roll inside. He becomes an instant gentleman, and the gorgeous Joan Blondell falls for him, when he helps her out of her own tough predicament. Blondell has these huge, sad and expressive eyes that can just melt the heart, and her and Douglas Fairbanks are irresistible as a couple. This movie has it all; comedy, crime, excitement, and romance. It's dark, gritty quality is right in line with the film style of the early 30's, and this, to many, is the true "Golden Age" of cinema. The Hayes Code of 1934 really seemed to strip movies of all their vitality; they ceased being realistic and began to look like artificial nonsense. No longer could life be portrayed as it really was, and that was an artistic loss. Thankfully we will always have movie diamonds like this to revisit and treasure. Fans of Douglas Fairbanks Jr. in particular, need to hunt this one down, as he absolutely OWNS this movie. "Union Depot" is a joy to behold.
Review of Union Depot
