1930s_Time_Machine

A perfect example of that type of film which makes itself your own personal dream. Both Montgomery and Lombard are relatable enough to allow you to step into their shoes - and who wouldn't want to.

There were so many similar romantic comedies made in the forties that they all tend to merge together. This falls into that category: it isn't outstanding or memorable but it's still one hundred percent enjoyable. Hitchcock proves that he can make the archetypal American movies as good as anyone. The story is as silly as most of those forties comedies were but it's directed so professionally and acted with such authenticity you can't help becoming instantly engrossed in it.

Fans of saucy pre-code movies, particularly sexy thirties ladies get a little treat here. This might well be the only time in the whole of 1940s cinema that we're treated to that staple of the pre-code era: the see-through neglige scene. Thank you Miss Lombard! It's not her funniest film but she's absolutely delightful - as is Robert Montgomery. They make an excellent and thoroughly likeable couple.

Gene Raymond surprisingly puts in a very sympathetic believable and performance. It might be because of Hitchcock but he's not a bad actor. I still find it weird that he was a heartthrob - with dark hair he looks even more unearthly than when he was blonde. Does he remind anyone else of Star Trek's Mr Data?

There's a relentless sense of despair and hopelessness which you're more used to seeing in a miserable 1940s crime drama. Lacking however are characters you care about. There's no jolly pre-code fun here.

Although it's obviously made by a director and cinematographer with some artistic flair, it's not enough to overcome Universal's bargain basement production approach to filmmaking. The life-blood has been drained from this leaving it cold and unemotional.

Cagney's PUBLIC ENEMY was a character you could emotionally connect with. That's what makes some old films as watchable and entertaining now as when they were made. I don't believe anyone could ever warm to Eric Linden. He's the sort of person whom you wouldn't be surprised to learn had indeed been beaten up. You can't empathise with his character at all and because the rest of the whole entire cast are thoroughly unlikeable, it's difficult to get involved.

As an authentic and genuine reflection of early thirties corruption endemic in the 'Cesspool on the Potomac,' to quote the Simpsons, this is outstanding. It's a very intelligent and thoughtful picture. As a movie however it's just too cold to grab you. Compare this with 1932's NIGHT COURT to see how political corruption and social injustice can be made into a real punch-you-in-the-stomach hard hitting melodrama. OK, NIGHT COURT is a bit far fetched whereas this is much more grounded but the grim, nasty reality this portrays is just unrelentingly depressing.

There's something else which isn't right about this. Although we've got pretty Sidney Fox and Mayo Methot, ninety nine percent of the running time seems like you're in a female-free zone. Too many men. Lots of horrible, miserable, serious and angry grey men - some however wear different hats.

The 1930s Universal logo at the beginning tells you this is going to be fun. It tells you that this is made by someone like you, who loves old movies. Despite their enthusiasm, their lack of filmmaking experience however is very apparent.

Like you'd get with an early thirties B movie, the film has a fantastic simple theme but has a cheap amateurish feel. As long as you don't expect sophistication or believability and can suspend reality, you should enjoy this. It is however far from what you'd consider 'good.' Besides the complete lack of credibility and acting skill of Michael Beck, the main problem is those musical sequences. They bear nothing to do with the plot and go on and on and on far too long. They do at least give you time to make a cup of tea...but don't drink or smoke anything stronger or you'll think you're hallucinating when you come back wondering why everyone is on roller skates.

Because this is meant to be a loving parody of a 1940s musical, those sequences are supposed to look ultra-cheesy but it doesn't work. They simply look amateurish and dull....and very, very cheap. Were this actually made in the forties, LB Mayer would have hurled it straight into the incinerator. The atrocious choreography would have Busby Berkeley spinning in his grave! Gene Kelly however does add a bit of class.....and out-acts everyone else into a three cornered hat!

Of course, it's impossible for some of my age to watch this without a feeling of sadness. It's disturbing to see Olivia Newton John being so sweet and lovely whilst knowing she's no longer with us. She was never a superstar but because she was "our era" I can to some extent understand how people must have felt when Marilyn Munro or Carole Lombard died. A cheap looking, badly made picture like this isn't perhaps her greatest legacy but it is fun and she's so sweet that she makes it thoroughly engaging.

What's with the roller skates? Was this really 'a thing'? Leg-warmers too.... either I was living in an alternate reality but I never saw anyone wearing leg-warmers except on the tv.