Director: Howard Hawks
Original Release: 1941
Choice: My Wife's
My Overall Rating: 4 stars out of 5
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| via Wikipedia |
According to Netflix, I'd seen this movie before, though I didn't remember it too well - surprising as I was quite charmed by it this time. I've never thought much of Cooper as an actor, despite his association with a certain Iowa college that is dear to my heart. I've always seen him as stiff in comparison to his contemporaries. Stanwyck is delightful, though, her performance earning an Oscar nomination. Sugarpuss refers to Bertram as Pottsie, a joke, I think, on her performance in The Lady Eve earlier the same year in which she called Henry Fonda's character Hopsie in much the same tone of voice. The supporting cast is strong, too, especially the seven other professors, intended as a spoof on Snow White's dwarves.
The main selling points for me are a couple of musical performances. Gene Krupa and his band play back up for Sugarpuss, though the real highlight is Krupa's solo riff on a matchbox. The professors also sing a lovely a capella rendition of "Sweet Genevieve."
This was the movie that made me fall in love with Barbara Stanwyck. She is a real ball of fire here...
ReplyDeleteUnderstandable.
DeleteThis is a great movie. I actually saw the musical remake with Danny Kaye and Virginia mayo first which I also like. Gary Cooper is always considered a great actor but I never got that because I felt he was so monotone. He works here and in High Noon. My dad always said we were related to Gene Krupa...one day I want to find this out. My dad also said we were related to Liberace......we'll see.
ReplyDeleteHe cuts a strong, handsome figure. That's worth plenty on screen. It's also harder than most people think to play the straight man. But I will take Gregory Peck over Cooper.
DeleteI would probably agree with your characterization of Cooper, but his awkwardness is kind of refreshing. Nearly everyone else in that era was consciously putting on a pose. He's kind of the reverse Cary Grant.
ReplyDeleteBut see, I like Cary Grant...
DeleteI have always enjoyed both actors and Krupa. Matchbox?
ReplyDeleteYou will have to watch to understand. I thought of hunting down a film clip of the matchbox bit but I would rather people seek out the movie for themselves. It's well worth it.
DeleteI have never seen this one, but it sounds great. I think it is funny that Netflix said you saw it before, but that you don't remember it. Maybe you rented it, but never watched it? Or someone else at your house watched it? Hmmm...
ReplyDelete~Jess
My guess: we watched once before but I fell asleep. I saw enough of it to recognize the quality of the material but not enough to want to watch the whole thing again. Now I know better.
Delete