Grand Hotel (1932) Review

Proof That It’s Pre-Code All the usual hotel nighttime activities. There’s an extended subplot about an industrialist negotiating with a stenographer about what she will give him in exchange for an all-expense paid trip through Europe. It includes this wonderful line: “I don’t suppose you’d take some… dictation from me Read more…

Baby Face (1933)

Baby Face (1933) Review

Lily Barbara Stanwyck Courtland Trenholm George Brent Mr. Stevens Donald Cook Chico Theresa Harris Mr. Carter Henry Kolker Mr. Sipple Arthur Hohl Proof That It’s Pre-Code The film’s main conceit is that all life is exploitation, and you must simply be the one doing the exploiting. One book thumping scholar Read more…

Hard to Handle (1933) Review

Proof That It’s Pre-Code One of those gold digging pictures that we’re all so fond of: “Who said anything about love? I’m talking about money.” Ruth Donnelly, playing a mom, makes a suggestion to her daughter: “Don’t wear this. Wear your blue dress. Shows more of your… girlish laughter.” 😉 Read more…