....was given a rare leading role together with Hollywood's golden boy (at the time). Grant Mitchell had one of the most recognisable faces in films - harassed husbands, doting dads, cranky bosses - even the occasional butler. He even had a lead in "Father Was a Prince" (1940). "Man to Man" was almost a lead - he shared credits with Phillips Holmes. Holmes was an incredibly good looking young actor who was contracted by Paramount in a talent drive (Kay Francis was another) when talkies came into vogue (1929). At times his acting seemed almost amateurish, but when given the right role - as a naive boy ("The Devil's Holiday", "Stolen Heaven") or a cold blooded killer ("An American Tragedy") he was outstanding. "Man to Man" was based on a story by Ben Ames Williams, who also wrote "Leave Her to Heaven" and "All the Brothers Were Valiant".
Mike Bolton (Phillips Holmes) is a top college athlete, who is also expected to be voted Class President - but he has done it all without the help of his father, who is in prison. When some of his friends find a story in the paper about a prison break and the one man who refused to take part - John Bolton, Mike confesses the man is his father and he is in prison for murder. Not being able to bear the shame, he goes back home and finally finds work in a bank, but not not before the bank manager (George Marion) tells him what a fine man his father was. He killed the man who killed his brother and the manager is proud to have Mike working for him.
John Bolton (Grant Mitchell) is paroled after 18 years and he comes home to resume his job as the local barber - he is also eager to mend his relationship with his son but the feeling is not reciprocated. Grant Mitchell is wonderful in this very sensitive role and plays it with great feeling. Since his father's return, Mike feels that people are judging him and he wants to leave the town and take Emily (Lucille Powers) as his bride. He has the chance of making some money in a business deal but needs $1500 for his share. Even before his break- through role as Renfield in "Dracula" of next year, Dwight Frye was refining his ability at playing sinister characters. In "Man to Man" he plays a very unlikable, dapper bank teller, Vint Glade, who from his introduction, you just know is going to make trouble.
When the bank's accounts are out by $2,000 and Mike's father finds the slips, he instantly confesses, thinking that Mike is the culprit and hoping to save him from prison - of course Mike has also confessed, thinking his father guilty. It is pretty obvious who the thief is but it takes Emily to make the culprit slip up. It was an okay movie - this was one of Holme's wooden performances. James Hall is listed with an uncredited part - I couldn't find him or anyone who looked remotely like him - it seems a bit odd that he would have an uncredited part the same year he was such a success in "Hell's Angels". Johnny Larkins was great as Bildad, Barber John's valet and helper. Unfortunately this is the only credit I can find for this actor. I hope it's an oversight as he really was a highlight of this movie.
Recommended.
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