I was totally mesmerised by this nonsense. The story was absolutely ridiculous and it was obvious what was going to happen. The acting, apart from that of William Powell was nothing special but I was absolutely blown away by it. Thoroughly enjoyable!
This is such a typical 1930 programmer - or rather one of the good 1930 ones (most of them were rubbish). The plot is ultra-simple with no sub plot, no hidden meaning or social commentary. It's just a straight forward story told clearly and simply. The fact that the story is so unbelievable doesn't matter - it's told so brilliantly you don't mind.
William Powell was possibly the most likeable man in the world - he somehow turns this into something really special, something totally absorbing, something to ensure your eyes are permanently glued to your screen. In this he plays......well, William Powell but he's so slick and professional you're rooting for him straight away.
Besides the annoyingly illogicalness of the story, director Louis Gasnier along with Paramount's superstar cameraman Charles Lang actually create a pretty impressive (certainly for 1930) piece of cinema. Even though it doesn't feel rushed - time is spent setting up scenes - there's literally never a dull moment. Every one of its 70 minutes are used efficiently to keep on the edge of your seat.
This really shouldn't be this good but it is!
This is such a typical 1930 programmer - or rather one of the good 1930 ones (most of them were rubbish). The plot is ultra-simple with no sub plot, no hidden meaning or social commentary. It's just a straight forward story told clearly and simply. The fact that the story is so unbelievable doesn't matter - it's told so brilliantly you don't mind.
William Powell was possibly the most likeable man in the world - he somehow turns this into something really special, something totally absorbing, something to ensure your eyes are permanently glued to your screen. In this he plays......well, William Powell but he's so slick and professional you're rooting for him straight away.
Besides the annoyingly illogicalness of the story, director Louis Gasnier along with Paramount's superstar cameraman Charles Lang actually create a pretty impressive (certainly for 1930) piece of cinema. Even though it doesn't feel rushed - time is spent setting up scenes - there's literally never a dull moment. Every one of its 70 minutes are used efficiently to keep on the edge of your seat.
This really shouldn't be this good but it is!