Curvas Perigosas

For her second talking film appearance, Paramount presented Clara Bow (as Pat Delaney) in the audience pleasing "circus" genre, with a "Wings" co-star, Richard Arlen (as Larry Lee). Although the formula seemed like a blockbuster in the making, the film was disappointing. Bow is cast in an inappropriate, and dull, "change of pace" role. She is unconvincing as the demure girl who becomes a "high wire" circus star. At one point, we are expected to believe Bow's pleasingly plump figure passes for Mr. Arlen, in a clown costume, on the high wire! Arlen is also unconvincing, playing the tending to be tipsy alcoholic "King of the High Wire". Kay Francis (as Zara Flynn) rounds out the expected "love triangle". Bow's "stand around and wait" attempt to pry Arlen's interests from Ms. Francis' arms is uncharacteristic.

On the plus side, the cast and crew put some obvious effort into a sound production.

The "Dangerous Curves" referred to in the title are plainly stated as Arlen's trials and tribulations with job, alcohol, and women. So, the film's content may have been altered to focus on Arlen, then a lesser box office star than Bow. Still, it was a Bow film, and audiences undoubtedly bought tickets to see Clara Bow's "Dangerous Curves". And, as a Bow starring vehicle, "Dangerous Curves" was a modest success. For the year 1928-29, Clara Bow was the US #1 "Box Office Star", according to the industry standard list compiled by Quigley Publications. After "Dangerous Curves", box office receipts declined sharply. Suddenly, Clara Bow's reign was over.

*** Dangerous Curves (7/13/29) Lothar Mendes ~ Clara Bow, Richard Arlen, Kay Francis