"God's Gift to Women" is a film starring two folks whose careers were on the decline back in 1931. Laura La Plante was a very popular and talented silent film star, though through the course of the talkies, she appeared in fewer and fewer productions. Frank Fay, who would soon marry Barbara Stanwyck, would also go through a long decline...mostly because according to every source I've checked, was a nasty and unlikable drunk and folks just got sick of him until, long after this, he became sober. So, if you don't recognize the pair, this is not at all surprising.
The story is set in Paris, which is odd since none of the principal actors have a French accent. Toto Duryea (Fay) is a well-known playboy and he casts his eyes on Diane (La Plante). She refuses to have anything to do with him, so he does what is common in older films....he won't take no for an answer and keeps badgering her*. And, as is common in these older films, she eventually succumbs to his charms and sex appeal. But as she cannot trust this cad, she concocts a strange plan...and a funny one at that.
Casting Fay in the role of an irresistible playboy did seem odd as I watched the film. While he was glib and could be charming, I couldn't help but think how ordinary he looked...and he sounded about as French as Keye Luke! I am not trying to be sexist here, but shouldn't a sexy playboy be much better looking--such as a Maurice Chevalier or Charles Boyer type? He would have been fine in many other roles but this one just didn't seem suited to him.
So is it any good? Yes. Despite the miscasting of Fay and a predictable plot twist, it's rather enjoyable and funny. Not a great or must-see film...but an enjoyable one.
By the way, although La Plante and Fay's careers would soon fade considerably, far worse off was Louise Brooks who appears in a few tiny scenes here an there...a huge fall from grace considering she'd starred in a few very important silents, such as "Grand Prize", "Pandora's Box" and "Diary of a Lost Girl". She only made a few films after this one...including a couple B-westerns!
*Guys take note. When a woman says no, try focusing on ANOTHER DIFFERENT woman. No DOES mean no!
The story is set in Paris, which is odd since none of the principal actors have a French accent. Toto Duryea (Fay) is a well-known playboy and he casts his eyes on Diane (La Plante). She refuses to have anything to do with him, so he does what is common in older films....he won't take no for an answer and keeps badgering her*. And, as is common in these older films, she eventually succumbs to his charms and sex appeal. But as she cannot trust this cad, she concocts a strange plan...and a funny one at that.
Casting Fay in the role of an irresistible playboy did seem odd as I watched the film. While he was glib and could be charming, I couldn't help but think how ordinary he looked...and he sounded about as French as Keye Luke! I am not trying to be sexist here, but shouldn't a sexy playboy be much better looking--such as a Maurice Chevalier or Charles Boyer type? He would have been fine in many other roles but this one just didn't seem suited to him.
So is it any good? Yes. Despite the miscasting of Fay and a predictable plot twist, it's rather enjoyable and funny. Not a great or must-see film...but an enjoyable one.
By the way, although La Plante and Fay's careers would soon fade considerably, far worse off was Louise Brooks who appears in a few tiny scenes here an there...a huge fall from grace considering she'd starred in a few very important silents, such as "Grand Prize", "Pandora's Box" and "Diary of a Lost Girl". She only made a few films after this one...including a couple B-westerns!
*Guys take note. When a woman says no, try focusing on ANOTHER DIFFERENT woman. No DOES mean no!