1930
The Light of Western Stars (1930) Review, with Richard Arlen and Mary Brian
Richard Arlen is a cowboy chasing Mary Brian while typical Western plotting unfolds.
1930
King of Jazz (1930) Review, with Paul Whiteman
Paul Whiteman John Boles Laura La Plante Released by Universal Directed by John Murray Anderson Run time: 99 minutes Proof That It’s a Pre-Code Film There are a few mildly racy sketches, like one where an adulterer hides in the closet when the husband returns home. King of Jazz: Happy Read more…
1930
Alias French Gertie (1930) Review, with Bebe Daniels and Ben Lyon
Gertie Bebe Daniels Jimmy Hartigan Ben Lyon Kelsey Robert Emmett O’Connor Released by RKO Directed by George Archainbaud Run time: 68 minutes Proof That It’s a Pre-Code Film A frantic Jimmy reaches down the front of Gertie’s dress to retrieve a stolen necklace. We follow a pair of career criminals Read more…
1930
The Matrimonial Bed (1930) Review, with Frank Fay and Lilyan Tashman
Leopold TrebelFrank Fay Gustave CortonJames Gleason SylvaineLilyan Tashman Released by Warner Bros. Directed by Michael Curtiz Run time: 67 minutes Proof That It’s a Pre-Code Film That old cliche about promiscuous hairdressers that are handsome sex machines… I guess it had to start somewhere. Plenty of gay panic jokes, with Read more…
1930
A Lady to Love (1930) Review, with Vilma Bánky and Edward G. Robinson
Edward G. Robinson displays his MAGNIFICENT. ACTING. TALENT. in this misbegotten talkie from 1930.
1930
Numbered Men (1930) Review, with Bernice Clare and Conrad Nagel
It’s a singing, dancing– I’m sorry? They were all cut out? Oh. Well, here’s a rather implausible prison movie then I guess.
1930
Burning Up (1930) Review, with Richard Arlen and Mary Brian
Lou Larrigan Richard Arlen Ruth Morgan Mary Brian Windy Wallace Sam Hardy Released by Paramount Directed by A. Edward Sutherland Run time: 60 minutes Burning Up: Pedal to the Metal “The only things I get a kick out of are good food, smooth liquor, and easy money!” “You passed Read more…
1930
The Woman Racket (1930) Review, with Tom Moore and Blanche Sweet
Tom Tom Moore Julia Blanche Sweet Chris John Miljan Released by MGM Directed by Albert H. Kelley, Robert Ober, and Paul Bern Run time: 70 minutes Proof That It’s a Pre-Code Film Julia is a sweet gal who leaves her husband and has a few love affairs without ever ending Read more…
1930
Passion Flower (1930) Review, with Kay Francis and Charles Bickford
Dulce Morado Kay Francis Cassy Pringle Wallace Kay Johnson Dan Wallace Charles Bickford Tony Lewis Stone Tommy Dickie Moore Mrs. Harney Zasu Pitts Released by MGM Directed by William C. DeMille Run time: 78 minutes Proof That It’s a Pre-Code Film Worried that she almost fell off a cliff, Dulce Read more…
1930
Spring Is Here (1930) Review, with Lawrence and Alexander Gray
Steve Alden Lawrence Gray Terry Clayton Alexander Gray Betty Braley Bernice Claire Released by First National Directed by John Francis Dillion Run time: 69 minutes Proof That It’s a Pre-Code Film Dad: “Am I your father?” Daughter: “I hope so.” Dad: “So do I!” A man’s grown daughters contend that Read more…