Harry Beaumont, MGM's ace B director leads Wallace Beery in a broader than usual comedy performance as the ex-con comes into a lot of money legitimately and tries to go straight. The comedy arrives as Beery coyly tries to impress Dorothy Patrick, who is impersonating his lost daughter and she tries to find his source of money for Leon Ames. Lots of good talent is on display, including Tom Drake, Sheldon Leonard, Gladys George and John Qualen This was Beaumont's last feature for MGM and he is good at directing his actors in off-center performances.
I'm not sure why Beaumont gave up directing, but it might have simply been a matter of economy, as movie grosses began their long decline and older, more expensive talents such as Beaumont were replaced under the new influence of Dore Schary. There was no longer any perceived need for talent like Beaumont. How very sad.
I'm not sure why Beaumont gave up directing, but it might have simply been a matter of economy, as movie grosses began their long decline and older, more expensive talents such as Beaumont were replaced under the new influence of Dore Schary. There was no longer any perceived need for talent like Beaumont. How very sad.