If there's a reason to watch this film, it is to watch William Powell. I've yet to see a Powell film where I didn't enjoy his acting. There was just something special about him.
But despite an impressive cast, this film just doesn't work -- particularly when you compare the first half and second half of the film. It improves in the second half, only to be scarred with downright corny religious silliness. And while this may be a minor point, not a lot of care was taken in the making of this film. Much of it takes place -- supposedly in Baltimore...where palm trees are so common...right???
But the biggest problem seems to be that film can't quite decide what it wants to be. A comedy? Well, no? A drama? Not exactly. A religious story? Mmmmm...occasionally. It just seems all over the place.
There are some interesting things regarding the supporting characters here. Co-star Esther Williams was fine...even without a swimsuit. Angela Lansbury was "good here" as the third member of the triangle. I wondered who sang for her; very nice. James Gleason was good...as always...although his sudden conversion to religion seemed a little sappy. Lewis Stone had a rather boring part as a priest; good to see him, but this was nothing special. Rags Ragland was much better at comedy than sorta-drama. Frank McHugh's fortunes had certainly fallen by the time this film was made; his part was so minimal it was noticeable. I always enjoy seeing Henry O'Neill. I was interested in seeing supporting actor Slim Summerville. I remembered him from a couple of Shirley Temple movies, looked him up, and noted that he died of a stroke shortly after this film was made.
As much as I like William Powell, I can't recommend this film...unless you really enjoy William Powell. There's little else of real interest here.
But despite an impressive cast, this film just doesn't work -- particularly when you compare the first half and second half of the film. It improves in the second half, only to be scarred with downright corny religious silliness. And while this may be a minor point, not a lot of care was taken in the making of this film. Much of it takes place -- supposedly in Baltimore...where palm trees are so common...right???
But the biggest problem seems to be that film can't quite decide what it wants to be. A comedy? Well, no? A drama? Not exactly. A religious story? Mmmmm...occasionally. It just seems all over the place.
There are some interesting things regarding the supporting characters here. Co-star Esther Williams was fine...even without a swimsuit. Angela Lansbury was "good here" as the third member of the triangle. I wondered who sang for her; very nice. James Gleason was good...as always...although his sudden conversion to religion seemed a little sappy. Lewis Stone had a rather boring part as a priest; good to see him, but this was nothing special. Rags Ragland was much better at comedy than sorta-drama. Frank McHugh's fortunes had certainly fallen by the time this film was made; his part was so minimal it was noticeable. I always enjoy seeing Henry O'Neill. I was interested in seeing supporting actor Slim Summerville. I remembered him from a couple of Shirley Temple movies, looked him up, and noted that he died of a stroke shortly after this film was made.
As much as I like William Powell, I can't recommend this film...unless you really enjoy William Powell. There's little else of real interest here.