Walter Connolly was a successful stage actor who appeared in over 22 productions but by the time talkies came in he became typecast, usually as the exasperated business tycoon or newspaperman and often as the flustered father of the star ("It Happened One Night" (1934)). They say most actors have one magnificent performance in them and with Connolly it would have to be his almost Emil Jannings characterization of the imposing impresario,John Forrester in "Whom the Gods Destroy". He was just tremendous and the movie opens with the delay of his much anticipated cruise, he is staying behind to put some finishing touches on his soon to open play and also to show the viewers the bond he shares with his wife and little son (a very cute Scotty Beckett) - John just idolizes the child.
With scenes and a storyline plucked from the famed Titanic, it is not too long before disaster strikes at sea and there are vivid scenes of frantic terror and pandemonium as hysterical people vye for the very few lifeboats available. A dazed Forrester sees a woman's coat and a means of escape but when his identity is discovered in a small fishing village, he is vilified as a coward. Only Hobart Bosworth playing an old mariner takes his part and convinces him to return to his family - but proceeding him to New York is the woman to whom he gave up his life jacket to and she has proclaimed him a hero!! Once he reaches the theatre and sees a plaque erected to his bravery does he realise he must now live in the shadows.
Now starts his redemption as he goes from cleaner to cook to watchman at a puppet theatre, all the while keeping an eye on his family. Finally Jack (now played by handsome Robert Young) wants desperately to produce his own play but it proves a dismal failure. Just when he feels at his lowest ebb with newspapers mocking his presumptuous efforts, it is here Forrester reappears as the "friend of his father" to provide him with hope and encouragement and all his experience in the theatre, to restore Jack's confidence and make sure his next play is worthy of the Forrester name!!
Just a terrific movie with impressive performances throughout - the ending not at all predictable. Doris Kenyon's part is small but as always she has a graceful and believable presence and convinces you that it will work out. Robert Young, by 1934, must have been beginning to wonder whether stardom had passed him by (it had, sort of) but he was still giving interest and emotion to the one dimensional roles they gave him.
Highly Recommended.
With scenes and a storyline plucked from the famed Titanic, it is not too long before disaster strikes at sea and there are vivid scenes of frantic terror and pandemonium as hysterical people vye for the very few lifeboats available. A dazed Forrester sees a woman's coat and a means of escape but when his identity is discovered in a small fishing village, he is vilified as a coward. Only Hobart Bosworth playing an old mariner takes his part and convinces him to return to his family - but proceeding him to New York is the woman to whom he gave up his life jacket to and she has proclaimed him a hero!! Once he reaches the theatre and sees a plaque erected to his bravery does he realise he must now live in the shadows.
Now starts his redemption as he goes from cleaner to cook to watchman at a puppet theatre, all the while keeping an eye on his family. Finally Jack (now played by handsome Robert Young) wants desperately to produce his own play but it proves a dismal failure. Just when he feels at his lowest ebb with newspapers mocking his presumptuous efforts, it is here Forrester reappears as the "friend of his father" to provide him with hope and encouragement and all his experience in the theatre, to restore Jack's confidence and make sure his next play is worthy of the Forrester name!!
Just a terrific movie with impressive performances throughout - the ending not at all predictable. Doris Kenyon's part is small but as always she has a graceful and believable presence and convinces you that it will work out. Robert Young, by 1934, must have been beginning to wonder whether stardom had passed him by (it had, sort of) but he was still giving interest and emotion to the one dimensional roles they gave him.
Highly Recommended.