Although the story and title didn't have me completely jumping out of my chair, Joan Crawford was always reason enough to want to see any of her films. She did have quite a number of misfires and not all her performances are particularly good, but at her best she was absolutely brilliant and a number of her films are must sees. Edna May Oliver is/was always a delight to watch and Robert Montgomery's role on paper sounded like it would suit him. Along with my love for films made in Hollywood's Golden Age, there were definitely reasons to see this film.
'No More Ladies' sadly to me was a disappointment and overall didn't work. Certainly not terrible, there are worse films of this type around, and has its moments, but everybody involved did far superior work in other films before and since. That is including, and actually come to think of it especially, Crawford. 'No More Ladies' overall fails on the romantic front, with nothing really to invest in, and effective comedy only appears in flashes.
There are good things in 'No More Ladies'. It does look great, which is one of two main virtues. A lot of time and effort clearly went into the production values here, with the glossy but never overblown photography and Crawford's beautiful clothes standing out. The music doesn't overbear or feel overused, with effective use of "All I Do is Dream of You".
Oliver is the other main redeeming value, would actually go as far to say that she is the best thing about the film. She is a sheer delight and brightens up the screen every time she appears, when she's there 'No More Ladies' really comes alive energy-wise and she relishes all the film's best lines. The script has moments where it does sparkle, almost all of it being with Oliver.
Crawford however plays her rather indecisively written character too broadly, not quite histrionic level but the part should have a light on the feet touch and Crawford plays it like she thought it was a drama. Montgomery brings next to no charm, nuance or sense of being at ease in his caddish role, looking like he was going through the motions. Franchot Tone fares better because he is in a role that suits him and he excels at playing suave, the problem with him is that he has too little to do. Found Charles Ruggles (at his most annoying) to be the worst, his overacting really grates and his drunk act borders on embarrassing. The direction is not just leaden but it also seemed indifferent.
A big problem for me watching 'No More Ladies' was how impossible it was to like, let alone root for, the characters. Especially Montgomery's, was at a loss throughout as to what people saw in him. Instead they are little more than dull or annoying or both ciphers that constantly make sudden and senseless decisions that suspend disbelief. Also felt that the chemistry between the leads was disconnected, which is a big reason as to why the romantic angle fails. Apart from with Oliver, the script is very leaden and thin, the moments meant to be funny lacked the necessary wit and sophistication and felt over-worked. The story, familiar ground with nothing new done with it, never really comes to life, while getting a little better around the halfway mark the first portions are dully paced and pretty stagy and even when picking up a little pace wise and being more eventful the second half felt muddled and silly.
Concluding, disappointingly lacklustre. 4/10
'No More Ladies' sadly to me was a disappointment and overall didn't work. Certainly not terrible, there are worse films of this type around, and has its moments, but everybody involved did far superior work in other films before and since. That is including, and actually come to think of it especially, Crawford. 'No More Ladies' overall fails on the romantic front, with nothing really to invest in, and effective comedy only appears in flashes.
There are good things in 'No More Ladies'. It does look great, which is one of two main virtues. A lot of time and effort clearly went into the production values here, with the glossy but never overblown photography and Crawford's beautiful clothes standing out. The music doesn't overbear or feel overused, with effective use of "All I Do is Dream of You".
Oliver is the other main redeeming value, would actually go as far to say that she is the best thing about the film. She is a sheer delight and brightens up the screen every time she appears, when she's there 'No More Ladies' really comes alive energy-wise and she relishes all the film's best lines. The script has moments where it does sparkle, almost all of it being with Oliver.
Crawford however plays her rather indecisively written character too broadly, not quite histrionic level but the part should have a light on the feet touch and Crawford plays it like she thought it was a drama. Montgomery brings next to no charm, nuance or sense of being at ease in his caddish role, looking like he was going through the motions. Franchot Tone fares better because he is in a role that suits him and he excels at playing suave, the problem with him is that he has too little to do. Found Charles Ruggles (at his most annoying) to be the worst, his overacting really grates and his drunk act borders on embarrassing. The direction is not just leaden but it also seemed indifferent.
A big problem for me watching 'No More Ladies' was how impossible it was to like, let alone root for, the characters. Especially Montgomery's, was at a loss throughout as to what people saw in him. Instead they are little more than dull or annoying or both ciphers that constantly make sudden and senseless decisions that suspend disbelief. Also felt that the chemistry between the leads was disconnected, which is a big reason as to why the romantic angle fails. Apart from with Oliver, the script is very leaden and thin, the moments meant to be funny lacked the necessary wit and sophistication and felt over-worked. The story, familiar ground with nothing new done with it, never really comes to life, while getting a little better around the halfway mark the first portions are dully paced and pretty stagy and even when picking up a little pace wise and being more eventful the second half felt muddled and silly.
Concluding, disappointingly lacklustre. 4/10