Beautifully filmed comedy version of GRAND HOTEL with all the interesting, complex characters to attend an elegant dinner party? What a great plan, mastered by George Cukor. No better director than Cukor to bring out the talents of this marvelous cast, and yes, I agree with the last reviewer, Marie Dressler (as Carlotta) shines.
Billie Burke, in a role made for her, plays Millicent Jordan, social butterfly extraordinaiire, who is a arranging a special dinner --but will it all come together? Behind the scenes, her businessman husband Lionel Barrymore ain't doing too well and there's complications from A to Z. The rest of the cast plays an integral part, and you have to see all the moving parts. It's fascinating to watch, and in classic black and white. I don't think color would do justice to this type of film.
John Barrymore a standout as always, followed by Jean Harlow as Kitty and husband Wallace Berry. What a couple these two make. Not to forget May Robson and Lee Tracy. Distinguished Edmund Lowe, having just starred as CHANDU, THE MAGICIAN, is perfect as the doctor. And a physician is definitely needed in this house of cards.
On a fun note, Dressler's dog was supposed to be called Mussolini! -- but not to rock the international boat -- was changed to Tarzan! That's the spirit.
Everything clicks, thanks to Cukor, who followed this with LITTLE WOMEN. The final word between Dressler and Jean Harlow at the end is a Hollywood classic. With her work on two of Wallace Beery's greatest films, you know screenwriter Frances Marion had a hand in this one.
Always on dvd and remastered blu ray, and thanks to TCM for rerunning this film great.
Billie Burke, in a role made for her, plays Millicent Jordan, social butterfly extraordinaiire, who is a arranging a special dinner --but will it all come together? Behind the scenes, her businessman husband Lionel Barrymore ain't doing too well and there's complications from A to Z. The rest of the cast plays an integral part, and you have to see all the moving parts. It's fascinating to watch, and in classic black and white. I don't think color would do justice to this type of film.
John Barrymore a standout as always, followed by Jean Harlow as Kitty and husband Wallace Berry. What a couple these two make. Not to forget May Robson and Lee Tracy. Distinguished Edmund Lowe, having just starred as CHANDU, THE MAGICIAN, is perfect as the doctor. And a physician is definitely needed in this house of cards.
On a fun note, Dressler's dog was supposed to be called Mussolini! -- but not to rock the international boat -- was changed to Tarzan! That's the spirit.
Everything clicks, thanks to Cukor, who followed this with LITTLE WOMEN. The final word between Dressler and Jean Harlow at the end is a Hollywood classic. With her work on two of Wallace Beery's greatest films, you know screenwriter Frances Marion had a hand in this one.
Always on dvd and remastered blu ray, and thanks to TCM for rerunning this film great.