This is one movie I flat out disliked. It is without question that worst movie of Basil Rathbone's career. I do not agree that early Rathbone's was bad ( see him as Philo Vance in 'The Bishop Burder Case'), but here he was. What is frightening he was the best one in it. Dorothy Mackaill as a leading lady was the absolute worst. Ugly, boyish, and boring. Despite being British she did not even use her natural accent which stood out as well.( at least Lelia Hyams ( Evelyn) tried). I forgot to mention it was stagy as well, and they had this guy named Faraday who I wanted to punch , that is how bad it was.Spoilers ahead( not that they are needed that is how predictable it was). Mackaill 's character Celia, and Rathbone's Colonel Smith do end up together ( not that I would want her anyway). Here is the most frightening thing: it is not even the best movie from First National in that Era with the word FLIRT in the Title. Next year's "The Naughty Flirt" is way better. Especially when contrasting the looks and acting ability of Alice White and Myrna Loy compared to Mackaill. Was 'The Naughty Flirt' a great movie? No but compared to this dog a classic. ZERO. Stars
Review of The Flirting Widow
