The main reason to see 'The Rich are Always with Us' is the cast, a very talented one put to good use. In terms of the cast, although Ruth Chatterton was the star, it was most interesting for seeing a young Bette Davis in a very early role before she became one of film history's most esteemed actresses. The subject was also intriguing and had potential to be funny and charming if done well while having some depth at the same time.
Can see totally why 'The Rich are Always with Us' won't work for all tastes, evident from the reviews here. Can see too why others would find a lot to like about it. Personally did like 'The Rich are Always with Us' myself but would in all honesty would have liked to have loved it, with the potential it had it should have been better than it was. That is not a knock as again to me there was still much to like and a lot is done well, the best elements done excellently even.
Will start with those good things. The best thing is the acting, which is very good and very polished. Chatterton commands the screen with zest, dignity and poignancy, the discussion of how to go forward was very moving without being overwrought, and George Best underplays while still with enough charm to make his appeal to the other characters believable. Davis comes out on top with a spirited performance that livens up the film when she appears, especially in the apartment scene. The chemistry between the actors is both sweet and witty.
Opinions on the script seem to be quite divided, for me while not perfect it was one of 'The Rich are Always with Us' strengths. Loved its arch wit, its thrust, its sophistication and it had some affecting bittersweet moments too. The story, which left me a bit more conflicted, breezes by mostly thanks to namely the cast and the energetic yet also sensitive direction. The production values are not elaborate, but it is nicely filmed and the set design is attractive.
Less attractive are some of the costumes, why was Chatterton's wardrobe so unflattering here? Can understand the criticisms for the story, which is 'The Rich are Always with Us' weak link. Not only very flimsy, sometimes it does struggle with having enough content, but it can be quite silly, doesn't do an awful lot new and the glimpses of depth (which are actually mostly through Chatterton's performance) are not enough.
Also found the ending rather forced and too tidy.
In conclusion, nice enough and to be seen for primarily the acting. 7/10
Can see totally why 'The Rich are Always with Us' won't work for all tastes, evident from the reviews here. Can see too why others would find a lot to like about it. Personally did like 'The Rich are Always with Us' myself but would in all honesty would have liked to have loved it, with the potential it had it should have been better than it was. That is not a knock as again to me there was still much to like and a lot is done well, the best elements done excellently even.
Will start with those good things. The best thing is the acting, which is very good and very polished. Chatterton commands the screen with zest, dignity and poignancy, the discussion of how to go forward was very moving without being overwrought, and George Best underplays while still with enough charm to make his appeal to the other characters believable. Davis comes out on top with a spirited performance that livens up the film when she appears, especially in the apartment scene. The chemistry between the actors is both sweet and witty.
Opinions on the script seem to be quite divided, for me while not perfect it was one of 'The Rich are Always with Us' strengths. Loved its arch wit, its thrust, its sophistication and it had some affecting bittersweet moments too. The story, which left me a bit more conflicted, breezes by mostly thanks to namely the cast and the energetic yet also sensitive direction. The production values are not elaborate, but it is nicely filmed and the set design is attractive.
Less attractive are some of the costumes, why was Chatterton's wardrobe so unflattering here? Can understand the criticisms for the story, which is 'The Rich are Always with Us' weak link. Not only very flimsy, sometimes it does struggle with having enough content, but it can be quite silly, doesn't do an awful lot new and the glimpses of depth (which are actually mostly through Chatterton's performance) are not enough.
Also found the ending rather forced and too tidy.
In conclusion, nice enough and to be seen for primarily the acting. 7/10