Of the two titles listed, 'Union Depot' (the film's title in my country) and 'Gentleman for a Day', the former is the better and more appropriate title by far. The latter to me misleads and it is easy to expect something else with that title, like a romantic-screwball comedy. This film doesn't quite fit that definition as much as other films do, it has elements of drama, comedy and romance and has a solid director and a talented cast in its favour.
'Union Depot' was a very entertaining and very well done film. Have seen it compared frequently to the more polished 'Grand Hotel', and to me it's not a fair comparison as it is not that similar a film and it deserves to stand on its own. And stands on its own it does very well. 'Union Depot' has something for everybody, does a good job with all its elements and how it balances them and knows what it wants to be without trying to do too much. It is a very good representation of Alfred E. Green and the cast are on fine form.
There really isn't that much wrong with 'Union Depot'. Other than that it does have a tendency to get suspension-disbelief-like.
Would have liked to have seen Frank McHugh have more to do, he does what he can with what he has but his role is too small and it's not material that he can sink his teeth into as much as in other roles of his.
All the rest of the cast are as said on fine form. Douglas Fairbanks Jr is charming and amusing and Guy Kibbee and ever reliable Alan Hale are great in support, but my pick for the best performance is Joan Blondell. Immensely attractive in looks and her character and she was clearly having fun. She and Fairbanks gel very well. Green directs more than efficiently and he and the cast do wonders with a sharp script that balances drama, romance and comedy deftly and executes all three individually with good skill.
It's especially good in the sharp and witty comedy, while the romance is sweet without being saccharine and the drama doesn't get too serious or preachy. The story is never dull and has a lot going on in a short running time without feeling confused The interaction between the characters engage hugely and don't get too simplistic or complicated and the characters are defined well. The film doesn't get confined too much, despite an intimate setting, and while not always refined the production values are surprisingly quite polished.
On the whole, very nicely done. 8/10
'Union Depot' was a very entertaining and very well done film. Have seen it compared frequently to the more polished 'Grand Hotel', and to me it's not a fair comparison as it is not that similar a film and it deserves to stand on its own. And stands on its own it does very well. 'Union Depot' has something for everybody, does a good job with all its elements and how it balances them and knows what it wants to be without trying to do too much. It is a very good representation of Alfred E. Green and the cast are on fine form.
There really isn't that much wrong with 'Union Depot'. Other than that it does have a tendency to get suspension-disbelief-like.
Would have liked to have seen Frank McHugh have more to do, he does what he can with what he has but his role is too small and it's not material that he can sink his teeth into as much as in other roles of his.
All the rest of the cast are as said on fine form. Douglas Fairbanks Jr is charming and amusing and Guy Kibbee and ever reliable Alan Hale are great in support, but my pick for the best performance is Joan Blondell. Immensely attractive in looks and her character and she was clearly having fun. She and Fairbanks gel very well. Green directs more than efficiently and he and the cast do wonders with a sharp script that balances drama, romance and comedy deftly and executes all three individually with good skill.
It's especially good in the sharp and witty comedy, while the romance is sweet without being saccharine and the drama doesn't get too serious or preachy. The story is never dull and has a lot going on in a short running time without feeling confused The interaction between the characters engage hugely and don't get too simplistic or complicated and the characters are defined well. The film doesn't get confined too much, despite an intimate setting, and while not always refined the production values are surprisingly quite polished.
On the whole, very nicely done. 8/10