Fox Films and also William Dieterle films are so inconsistent that they can either be awesome or awful..... this falls into the awful category. Plot, script and acting all complete to be the film's worst aspect.
The winner is however the plot - it sounds intriguing but its execution is dismally disappointing. The premise of someone coming back to life to catch their killer could be - and subsequently has been, a really exciting plot device but not in here! I thought at first the reason this seemed so dreadful was because we've all seen it done better elsewhere but decided that's not why - it's dreadful just because it's dreadful.
The story begins with some grand international trade conference to combat the world depression which Warner Baxter wants to veto. We don't know why he's literally the only man in the world who wants to stop this, or why only he knows best. He's also involved in the dullest relationship with the dullest woman in the world which you couldn't care less about.
After he's assassinated and brought back to life the picture changes from dull to faux-religious (and also suddenly develops a score). As Mr Baxter benevolently walks through the town giving money to the poor and reforming prostitutes like Jesus in a tuxedo, the whole tone of the picture changes to a preachy 'God is good, science is bad' kind of thing. He's been to heaven so now walks in the path of light but it's all so vague, weak and wishy-washy that it just doesn't work. Considering how 'talky' this is, it says very little. It's got no real message like in FRANKENSTEIN or even the weird GABRIEL OVEF THE WHITEHOUSE from 1933 which successfully did put over a moralistic narrative.
Even when it should be at its most exciting Mr Dieterle creates no tension at all. He is usually excellent at bringing his characters to life but in this he seems barely able to get half of them to act like actual people. Only Warner Baxter seems real, the rest are lifeless and lack depth of personality. It does however look good and is well photographed and on that aspect alone, William Dieterle's artistry is still evident....but that's not enough.
This team of artists and professionals should have made this so much better but as it stands it's endurance rather than entertainment.
