Pre-Code: The Man with Two Faces (1934).

The Man with Two Faces (1934). Directed by Archie Mayo, the film stars Edward G. Robinson, Mary Astor, Ricardo Cortez, Louis Calhern and Mae Clarke. The story was adapted by Tom Reed and Niven Busch from the play The Dark Tower by George S. Kaufman and Alexander Woollcott. The Man with Two Faces was actress Margaret Dale's last movie, and only talkie.

The story begins when Jessica Wells, a talented actress, is returning to the stage after a three-year absence. Her family and friends are shocked when Vance, her long-lost husband with a criminal past, shows up. He immediately takes over Jessica life.

Vance, soon learns that his wife holds half the rights to the play in which she will be performing, which now might turn out to be a disaster in her present state.

Damon Wells, wants to help his sister's comeback acting as her coach. He and Jessica's manager realize that they must get rid of Vance, so Damon pretends to be French theatrical producer Jules Chautard, and lures Vance, to a hotel room believing that he will be paid for Jessica's half-interest in the play, but is murdered. Damon covers his tracks, but accidentally leaves behind a few clues. Will Sergeant William Curtis, use the clues to crack the case?

When, EDWARD G. ROBINSON, goes under cover you will not recognize him. Not one of my favorite MARY ASTOR performance, but still entertaining. MAE CLARKE, has a more spirited role as girlfriend of Robinson. I enjoyed the Pre-Code ending.

Mae Clarke (August 16, 1910 – April 29, 1992) . She started her professional career as a dancer sharing a room with Barbara Stanwyck and starred in many films for Universal Studios, including the film, The Front Page (1931) and the first sound version of Frankenstein (1931) with Boris Karloff. Clarke played the role of Henry Frankenstein's fiancee Elizabeth in Frankenstein, who was attacked by the Monster on her wedding day. The Public Enemy, released that same year, contained featured one of cinema's most famous scenes, in which James Cagney pushed a half grapefruit into Clarke's face, then went out and picked up Jean Harlow.

She performed as Myra Deauville, in the 1931 Pre-Code version of Waterloo Bridge. In the film, she plays a young American woman who is forced into a life of prostitution in World War I London.

She also appeared in the modest pre-code film, Night World (1932), with Lew Ayres, Boris Karloff, and Hedda Hopper.

By the mid-1930s, Clarke was no longer a leading lady and was only featured in small or bit parts through to the 1960s.

Pre-Code: Man Wanted(1932).

Man Wanted (1932). Romance. Here is another wonderful pre-Code comedy. The casting, acting are all very entertaining. The humor is very sophisticated. Kay Francis, is perfect playing the role of a worldly woman with a open marriage. The way she deals with her husband's many adulteries makes her character very human.

David Manners, gives a wonderful performance as her new office employee. He left Hollywood for a private life in 1936, never to return to movies.

Giving support in this film are: Una Merkel as Manners, fiancee and Andy Devine as his, good natured roommate.

Elizabeth Patterson, makes the most of her small role as Miss Francis' eccentric, secretary and Edward Van Sloan (DRACULA's Van Helsing) has only a few scenes as a store manager.

Kay Francis (January 13, 1905 – August 26, 1968). After a brief period on the Broadway stage, Walter Huston, was so impressed by Francis that he asked her to take a screen test for the Paramount Pictures film, Gentlemen of the Press (1929). Francis made this film and the Marx Brothers film, The Cocoanuts (1929).

Francis, went on to sign a Paramount contract and moved to Hollywood. She frequently costarred with William Powell, and performed in as many as six to eight movies a year, making a total of 21 films between 1929 and 1931.

Because of her beauty and deep voice, she was perfectly suited to early sound movies which made Francis one of the top film stars of the early 1930s. Her success came in spite of a minor, but distinct speech impediment (she pronounced the letters "r" and "l" as "w") that gave rise to the nickname "Wavishing Kay Fwancis."

Francis' career at Paramount changed when she performed in the films: Girls About Town (1931) and the film, Twenty-Four Hours (1931). After Kay’s career skyrocketed at Warners, she would return to Paramount for the film, Trouble in Paradise (1932).

In 1932, Francis was given roles that allowed her a more sympathetic screen persona, in her first three featured roles she had played a villainess. Like in the film, The False Madonna (1932), she played a jaded society woman taking care of a terminally ill child who learns to appreciate the simpler things in life.

From 1932 through 1936, Francis was the queen of the Warners and her films were developed as star vehicles. By the mid-thirties, Francis was one of the highest-paid actors.

She frequently played long-suffering heroines like in films, I Found Stella Parrish, Secrets of an Actress, and Comet over Broadway, wearing beautiful wardrobes that, sometimes, were more memorable than the characters she played. Francis' clotheshorse reputation led Warners to concentrate more on lavish sets and costumes, designed to appeal to Depression-era female audiences.

After her release from Warners, Francis was unable to secure another studio contract. Carole Lombard, one of the most popular stars of the late 30s and early 1940s (and who had previously been a supporting player in Francis' 1931 film, Ladies' Man) tried to help Francis' career by insisting Francis be cast in the film, In Name Only (1939). In this film, Francis had a supporting role to Lombard and Cary Grant, she recognized that the film offered her a wonderful opportunity.

After this, she moved to character and supporting parts, playing catty professional women in the film, The Feminine Touch. Francis, did have a lead role in the Bogart gangster film, King of the Underworld(1939).

She signed a three-film contract with Poverty Row studio Monogram Pictures that gave her production credit as well as star billing in the films: Divorce, Wife Wanted, and Allotment Wives which had limited releases in 1945 and 1946. While more lavish than some Monogram productions, they were pale copies of her earlier work.

Declining health, along with an accident in 1948 in which she was badly burned by a radiator, hastened her retirement from show business.

Pre- Code: Smarty (1934).

Smarty(1934). Cast: Joan Blondell, Warren William, Edward Everett Horton, Joan Wheeler, Claire Dood and Frank McHugh.

Vicki Wallace, seems to enjoy pushing her husband Tony Wallace, buttons and it isn't long before he smacks her up side her head. Vicki's attorney who is also in love with her, Vernon Thorpe, helps her get a divorce and Vicki and soon after, Vernon are married. Vicki, loves to wear revealing clothes and inviting her ex-husband Tony to dinner. It is not long before Vernon, has had enough and smacks her one himself. She goes to her ex husbands apartment, where she finds Tony with Bonnie, who is not too happy with Vicki showing up and moving in. Vernon, shows up with George and Anita and Vicki tells Vernon, that as long as she is going to be hit by a husband, she will just go back to Tony.

Joan Blondell, is very good, a little different performance than I've ever seen her in before.  Claire Dodd and Frank McHugh play the comic relief. If you are a Joan Blondell fan, you will enjoy this movie.

Edward Everett Horton (March 18, 1886 – September 29, 1970), was a character actor. He had a long career in film, theater, radio, television and voice work for animated cartoons. He is best known for his work in the films of, Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. His voice was one of his trademarks.

His first starring role was in the comedy film, Too Much Business(1922). Next, he went on to perform in the film, Beggar on Horseback(1925). Horton, performed in some of Warner Bros.' early talkies, The Hottentot and Sonny Boy.

He is best known, for his work as a character actor in the films: The Front Page (1931), Trouble in Paradise (1932), Alice in Wonderland (1933), The Gay Divorcee (1934), Flying Down to Rio (1933). Which included the popular dance team of Fred Astaire and a 23-year-old Ginger Rogers. It is the first of the series to feature Ginger and Fred as the main attraction. The film was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture.

He also performed in the film, Top Hat (1935), Danger Love at Work (1937), Lost Horizon (1937), Holiday (1938), Here Comes Mr. Jordan (1941), Arsenic and Old Lace (1944), Pocketful of Miracles (1961), and It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World (1963). He last performed in a non-speaking role in the film, Cold Turkey (1971).

Pre-Code: Dinner at Eight (1933).

Dinner at Eight(1933). Pre-Code drama. Directed by George Cukor. Cast: Billie Burke, Lionel Barrymore, Madge Evans, and Jean Harlow.

The story begins, One week before Millicent Jordan's next big society dinner, she is proud to learn that Lord and Lady Ferncliffe, who she and her husband Oliver, had met in England the year before, have accepted her dinner invitation. Millicent, is oblivious to her families lack of concern about her dinner party, while she is on a man hunt, looking for an "extra man" for her single female guest, former actress Carlotta Vance.

Oliver, is worried that someone is secretly trying to buy out the company stock. Carlotta, a woman from his past, visits him at his office and wants to sell her stock in the Jordan Shipping Line. She asks Oliver to buy it from her, but .. he does not have the money. Oliver, is then visited by Dan Packard, who he asks to take over some of his stocks until his business improves. Dan agrees, then goes home to tell his, gold digger wife Kitty that the Jordan Line, is a valuable asset and he plans on taking it over.

Unknown to Dan, Oliver asks Millicent invite the Packard's, to her dinner party to win Dan over. The tacky, social climber Kitty, accepts the invitation but Dan refuses to go, believing he is to good for the Jordans.



He quickly changes his mind when he finds out the Ferncliffes, the richest couple in England will be there. Another of Millicent's invited guests, will be Dr. Wayne Talbot, who has been having a affair with Kitty.

Millicent, calls Larry Renault, a faded silent movie star and extends a last-minute invitation, unaware that Paula is in love with him. At Paula's urging, Larry, divorce three times and a alcoholic, accepts the invitation, but tells Paula to forget him and return to Ernest. Paula, refuses to take Larry seriously.

Later, Larry is visited by his agent, Max Kane, who breaks the news to Larry that the plays new producer, Jo Stengel, wants another actor in the lead but will cast Larry, in a bit part. Larry, agrees to think over the offer, then sends a bellboy to pawn off a few of his possessions for a bottle of alcohol.

The next day, Dr. Talbot is caught by his wife Lucy talking with Kitty, on the telephone and confesses that he is addicted to women and needs help. Talbot, then rushes to see Oliver, who is at the Doctor's office with chest pains. When he returns home, Oliver tries to explain to Millicent, that he needs his rest, but.. she is too hysterical to hear because, the Ferncliffes have cancelled and are on their way to Florida. Paula, too, is turned away by her upset mother and has to face Ernest alone.

Later, Angry Kitty reveals to Dan, that she is having an affair. When threatened with divorce, Kitty tells her husband that, if he wants his Cabinet appointment, he must back down from his takeover of Oliver's line and treat her with more respect.

Just before he leaves for the dinner, Larry is visited by Max and Jo Stengel and drunkenly puts Stengel down for insulting him with his offer. After Max blames him for ruining his last career chance and the hotel management kicks him out, What is Larry to do and what will happen next at the ill-fated big society dinner?

Loved the all-star cast. Loved Jean Harlow's, clothes and her wonderful performance as the wife of Wallace Beery. John Barrymore, is also wonderful performing as the once famous actor from the silent era, who cannot accept the fact that his career is over. To me the film is just a perfect time capsule back in time: the depression, the transition from silents to talkies. And... I just loved the gorgeous sets.

Madge Evans (July 1, 1909 – April 26, 1981). Was featured in print ads as the 'Fairy Soap girl' as an infant. She made her professional debut at the age of six months, posing for artist's models. When she was four years old, Evans was featured in a series of child plays produced by William A. Brady. She worked at the old Long Island, New York movie studio. Her success was immediate, so much so that her mother loaned her daughter's name to a hat company. Evans posed in a mother and child tableau with Anita Stewart, then 16, for an Anheuser-Busch Brewing Company calendar, and as the little mountain girl in, Heidi of the Alps.

As a child film actress Evans had a wonderful career performing in many films. In 1914 aged 5 she performed in, Seven Sisters. In 1915 she also performed in the film, Alias Jimmy Valentine. At 14 she was the star of the film, On the Banks of the Wabash(1923). She co-starred with Richard Barthelmess in Classmates(1924). She was working on stage when she signed with Metro Goldwyn Mayer in 1927.

While working for MGM in the 1930s, she performed in the film, Dinner at Eight (1933), Broadway to Hollywood (1933), Hell Below (1933), and David Copperfield (1935). In 1933, she starred with James Cagney in the film, The Mayor of Hell. Other well know movies in which she performed in: Beauty for Sale (1933), Grand Canary (1934), What Every Woman Knows (1934)and Pennies From Heaven (1936).

Pre- Code: Bombshell(1933).

Bombshell(1933). Directed by Victor Fleming. Cast: Jean Harlow, Lee Tracy, Frank Morgan, C. Aubrey Smith, Mary Forbes and Franchot Tone.

The story begins, when movie star Lola Burns, wakes up to face the day with the demands of her eccentric family, her maid and her studio's publicity department. Lola, soon finds out the Hays Office, wants her to re shoot scenes from her last film. During the day's shooting, Marquis Hugo, Lola's current lover, who Space had tried to keep off the set, begins an argument with Brogan.

That night at the Cocoa Nut Grove nightclub, Space arranges for Hugo to be arrested for immigration violations, but convinces Lola that he had nothing to do with it. When Lola reads the newspaper headline about Hugo's arrest, she telephones Brogan, asking him for a loan for his bail. Lola, then writes a letter to the studio demanding that Space be fired. Space rushes to her house, telling her that it was a publicity stunt and he brought a writer from the Ladies Home Companion to interview her. Lola asks the studio to ignore her letter, then gives a interview to the reporter. The reporter suggests that she might happier if she had children. Lola, loves the the idea of motherhood and tells Brogan, that she wants to marry and have children. Brogan, thinks it would be better if Lola were to adopt a baby on a thirty-day trial basis. Lola, picks out a baby boy from orphanage.

When Space, is asked by reporters, if the rumor that Lola is pregnant is true, he runs over to the Burns's house where he learns about the adoption. Space, makes arrangements for reporters as well as Hugo and his lawyer, to meet at Lola's house at the same time that the orphanage women is there. While Lola, tells the orphanage women that she would make a good mother, her chances are ruined by the return of her drunken brother and the fight between Brogan and Hugo.

Heartbroken, Lola announces she is through with being an actress and drops out of sight. But, later is found in a desert resort by Space. While vacationing Lola, is romanced by Gifford Middleton, who does not know she is a famous actress. Lola accepts his marriage proposal. Just as her meeting with the Middletons begins, Lola's father and brother, arrive at the resort. The Middletons, are shocked and appalled with their behavior and that Lola is the actress that all the scandal is about and Gifford, decides to break off their engagement. Heartbroken, by the rejection, Lola tells Space she is returning to Hollywood, not knowing that the Middletons are stage actors who were hired by Space. Back at the movie studio, Lola overhears the Middletons arguing about their acting careers outside her dressing room. Now, that she knows the truth what will she do?

Harlow is in her prime, in this very funny comedy with lots of quick, very risque (pre-Code) very funny, one liners. I absolutely loved the costumes in this film.

Fun Facts:

The movie was originally written with a parody of Clara Bow in mind.

Shirley Ross' film debut.

Shirley Ross (January 7, 1913 — March 9, 1975). Her film career began in 1933 and the following year she introduced the melody of the song "Blue Moon" for the film, Manhattan Melodrama, only with different lyrics. Ross first became known performing with, Bing Crosby in the film, Waikiki Wedding (1937). In The Big Broadcast of 1938 she sang "Thanks for the Memory" with Bob Hope. She re-teamed with Hope the following year to sing "Two Sleepy People" in the film, Thanks for the Memory(1938).

Ross also introduced, "The Lady's in Love with You" from the film, Some Like It Hot (1939)featuring Bob Hope, which is not the 1959 comedy starring Marilyn Monroe, Jack Lemmon, and Tony Curtis, although both films share the same name.

Pre-Code: Red Headed Woman (1932).

Red Headed Woman (1932). Film of the Pre-Code era, based on a novel by Katherine Brush. Directed by Jack Conway. Cast: Jean Harlow, Chester Morris, Lewis Stone, Leila Hyams, Una Merkel, Henry Stephenson, May Robson, Charles Boyer and Harvey Clark.

The story begins when Lilian Andrews, will do anything to seduce her wealthy boss, William Legendre Jr. and break up his marriage. His wife Irene, soon after the divorce finds that she does not want to live without him and tries to get back with Bill, only to find he has married Lil.

Lil, is not happy because she is shunned by Bill's father, Will Legendre Sr., because of her low class behavior. When Charles B. Gaerste, a coal tycoon visits the family, Lil thinks she has found a way into the higher social circles. She seduces him, into throwing a party for her. Things are looking good for Lil, until her hairdresser Sally, informs her that all the guests have left early to attend a party for Irene.

She decides to move to New York City, without her husband. Will finds Lil's handkerchief at Gaerste's place and shows his evidence to his son, who hires a detective, who finds out that she having two affairs. One with Charles and the other with his French chauffeur, Albert. Bill shows Charles the photographs. When Lil learns that Charles has found out about her, she returns to Bill, only to find that he has gone back to Irene. She shoots him, but he survives, will he have her arrested?

Fun Fact:

Jean Harlow's first line is "Who says gentlemen prefer blonde's?" which was written by Anita Loos for the movie who's most famous work was the musical comedy, Gentlemen Prefer Blonde's (1953).

No matter what type of role Jean Harlow played, it seems like she loved acting. Una Merkel, gives a wonderful performance as her roommate and look for Charles Boyer, in his small role. This film is very good example of a pre-code film.

Leila Hyams (1 May 1905 – 4 December 1977) . Her short film career began in silent films, and ended in the mid 1930s.

Her parents were vaudeville comedy performers John Hyams and Leila McIntyre, Hyams performed on-stage with her parents as a child. As a teenager she worked as a model and become well known after appearing in a successful series of newspaper advertisements. This success led her to Hollywood.

She made her first film in 1924, and with her blond hair, she was cast in many supporting roles. She proved herself in her small roles and over time she came to be taken seriously as an actress.

Her first first talkie was the film, Alias Jimmy Valentine (1928) opposite William Haines, Lionel Barrymore and Karl Dane. The following year she performed in the murder mystery, The Thirteenth Chair, a role that allowed her to showcase her dramatic abilities. The quality of her parts continued to improve, like her performance in the film, The Big House (1930) and in the film, Surrender (1931).

She is maybe best remembered for two early 1930s horror movies, Freaks (1932) and in the film, Island of Lost Souls (1933).

She also performed in the once controversial Jean Harlow film, Red-Headed Woman (1932), the musical comedy, The Big Broadcast (1932) and the film, Ruggles of Red Gap (1935) .

Pre-Code: City Streets (1931).

City Streets (1931). Pre-Code crime film directed by Rouben Mamoulian. Cast: Gary Cooper, Sylvia Sidney, Paul Lukas and Guy Kibbee.

The story begins when Bootlegger Blackie, is killed by Pop Cooley, because of Maskal's involvement with, Aggie. After Pop shoots Blackie, he gives the gun to his step-daughter Nan and she takes the rap for him, believing that the mob will get her out of jail.

While in prison, Pop recruits Nan's boyfriend, "The Kid," a sharpshooter with the circus. When he visits Nan in a fur coat, she does not want him to become involved with Pop after witnessing a fellow inmate's mobster boyfriend being gunned down.

After serving her term, Nan is released and returns home to find her step father does not really care about her. Nan, wants nothing more to do with the mob but, she may be too late.

I think this is Gary Cooper's, only film in the gangster genre although he did run into a few gangsters in the film, Ball Of Fire.



Fun Facts:

Sylvia Sidney replaced Clara Bow, who was fired when she failed to show up on the first day of filming.

Paul Lukas (May 26, 1891 – August 15, 1971). At first, he played womanizers, but soon, became typecast as a villain.

In the 1930s, he performed in the films: The Lady Vanishes, Ladies in Love, Dodsworth, The Casino Murder Case, but his major role came in the film, Watch on the Rhine(1934). He won the Academy Award for Best Actor for the role, winning out over, Humphrey Bogart in, Casablanca, Gary Cooper in, For Whom the Bell Tolls, Walter Pidgeon in Madame Curie, and Mickey Rooney in, The Human Comedy.

Paul Lukas is well known for his role as, Professor Aronnax in Walt Disney's classic film, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (1954). By that time, he was, at age 63, suffering from memory problems during the production.



My favorite Paul Lukas films:

Samson and Delilah (1922)
Grumpy (1930)
City Streets (1931)
Little Women (1933)
The Lady Vanishes (1938)
Captain Fury (1939)
Fun in Acapulco (1963)

Pre-Code: The Bitter Tea of General Yen(1933) .

The Bitter Tea of General Yen is a pre-Code 1933 film, directed by Frank Capra based on the novel by Grace Zaring Stone. Cast: Barbara Stanwyck and Nils Asther. The film was the first to play at the Radio City Music Hall upon its opening in January, 1933. Even though the General Yen, is played by a white actor in yellow face, it was one of the first movies ever to deal with interracial attraction.

While Mr. and Mrs. Jackson, missionaries in Shanghai, prepare their home for the wedding of their friends missionary Dr. Robert Strike and Megan Davis. They receive news of the out break of the civil war and they decide to postpone the wedding, so that Strike can rescue the orphans. Megan waits in the car while Bob asks General Yen, a Chinese warlord, to give him a safe passage. Yen, does not support Bob's missionary ideals and gives him a worthless piece of paper. When Megan and Bob reach the burning orphanage, the soldiers steal their car as they are leaving with the children. They reach the train station, but in the confusion, Bob and Megan are both knocked unconscious and are separated. Megan regains consciousness in the private train of Yen where she meets, Mah-Li. They soon arrive at Yen's summer palace, where Jones, Yen's American financial advisor, is waiting to tell Yen that he has the six million dollars, hidden in a boxcar. Yen, who is fascinated by Megan, tells her it is unsafe to send her back to Shanghai. Soon, Megan's own attraction to Yen is revealed to her in a dream.

It becomes obvious that Mah-Li is betraying Yen with Captain Li, one of his soldiers. Yen arrests Mah-Li for being a spy. Megan offers to answer for Mah-Li's actions if her life is spared. Yen knows that Mah-Li will not change, but, for the growing love for Megan, he agrees. Mah-Li does betray him, and he is ruined. Megan's world shatters around her.

Fun Fact:
The sets for this film were reused for Columbia's One Night of Love (1934).

In my opinion excellent performances of both Nils Asther and Barbara Stanwyck. Nils Asther, a matinee idol during silent days, found it difficult to find good roles in talking pictures, because of his exotic looks. But, with BITTER TEA he found the role of a lifetime. His performance as General is very believable. Barbara Stanwyck, also gives a wonderful performance with the emotions of Asther Yen a missionary captive.

Toshia Mori (January 1, 1912 – November 26, 1995), began her film career in silent films. In Mr. Wu (1927) she was credited as Toshia Ichioka. In Streets of Shanghai (1927), she was credited as Toshiye Ichioka. In The Man Without a Face she was also credited as Toshiye Ichioka. Finally, she entered the sound era as Toshia Mori. She played Miss Ling, in The Hatchet Man (1932). In the same year, she played "Butterfly", in the Roar of the Dragon. She maybe best known for her performance in, The Bitter Tea of General Yen (1933), playing a role which was first scheduled for Anna May Wong. She also performed in the films: The Painted Veil (1934), starring Greta Garbo, In Chinatown Squad (1935), Charlie Chan at the Circus (1936), she was credited as Shia Jung. Charlie Chan on Broadway (1937). This time she was credited as Tashia Mori. In Port of Hate (1939). Again, credited as Shia Jung. After her film career ended, she worked as a researcher for Robert Ripley short films, Ripley's Believe It or Not.

Pre- Code: Upper World (1934).

Upper World(1934).Cast: Warren William, Ginger Rogers and Mary Astor.

Rich railroad tycoon Alex Stream, is a wonderful family man. His wife Hettie's, first priority in life is her rich society friends. When Alex rescues drowning showgirl Lilly Linder, he finds her very charming and she thanks him by cooking dinner for him. When Hettie forgets their wedding anniversary and makes other plans, Alex invites Lilly to join him for dinner. Alex find himself spending a lot of time with Lilly. Lilly's boyfriend, tries to convince her to blackmail Alex, and when she refuses, Lou steals Alex's letters to her. When Lou confronts him, Alex believes that Lilly was also involved in the plan. While he tries to get the letters back from Lou, he shoots and accidentally kills Lilly. Alex shoots Lou in self-defense, then tries to make it look like a murder-suicide. Alex thinks that nobody has seen him, but a policeman  recognised his car parked outside the apartment and is convinced that he is the murderer. Will Alex be able to prove his innocence?

Both Mary Astor and Ginger Rogers are both highly entertaining, in this early movie in their film careers. William is his typical cool self. Dickie Moore is also good as William's son and Naish nearly steals the scenes as the ruthless wannabe gangster. Sidney Toler, the future Charlie Chan, plays the cop out to break William. It is also fun to see a younger Andy Devine.

Warren William (December 2, 1894 – September 24, 1948) was a Broadway and Hollywood actor, popular during the early 1930s, who was nicknamed the "king of Pre-Code". He attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. After moving from Broadway to Hollywood in 1931, he reached his peak as a leading man in early 1930s pre-Production Code films. He was a contract player at the Warner Bros. studio and was known for portraying heartless businessmen and lawyers, including the Sam Spade character in the second filming of The Maltese Falcon, called Satan Met a Lady (1936) with Bette Davis.

He also played sympathetic roles, as in Imitation of Life, in which he portrayed Claudette Colbert's love interest. He appeared as her love interest again that year, when he played Julius Caesar to her Cleopatra in Cecil B. DeMille's version of Cleopatra. And he was the swashbuckling d'Artagnan in the 1939 version of The Man in the Iron Mask.

William was the first to portray Erle Stanley Gardner's fictional defense attorney Perry Mason on the big screen and starred in four Perry Mason mysteries. He also played Raffles-like reformed jewel thief The Lone Wolf  beginning with The Lone Wolf Spy Hunt (1939) with Ida Lupino and Rita Hayworth, and he starred as detective Philo Vance in two films in that series, 1934's The Dragon Murder Case and 1939's The Gracie Allen Murder Case .

Queen Christina (1933) Pre-Code.

Queen Christina (1933). Pre-code historical/ drama. Director: Rouben Mamoulian.The film was written by H. M. Harwood and Salka Viertel with dialogue by S. N. Behrman, based on a story by Salka Viertel and Margaret P. Levino. Cast: Greta Garbo, John Gilbert, Ian Keith and Lewis Stone. The movie is very loosely based on the life of the 17th century Queen Christina of Sweden, who, in the film, falls in love during her reign but has to deal with the political realities of her society. It was billed as Garbo's return to cinema after an eighteen-month hiatus.

In 1632, after her father, King Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden, is killed on the battlefield, six-year-old Christina raised as a boy is crowned "king" of Sweden . And then promises to her court, that Sweden will fight until it wins the war.

Many years later, the now-grown Christina, who dresses in men's clothing, meets with her council and states for the good of the country, they must find peace. Christina then argues with Oxenstierna about marrying her Swedish-born cousin, Prince Palatine Charles Gustavus. Not wanting to marry a man she does not love, Christina rejects Oxenstierna's demands. To escape Christina, goes on a hunting trip with her servant Aage. While riding, Christina comes across the path of a coach filled with Spaniards, which have gotten stuck in a ditch. Because she is dressed as a man, Christina is not recognized and is treated as a male servant by Don Antonio de la Prada. Later, Christina and Aage seek shelter at the Inn and once again meet Antonio and his men. Antonio apologizes when he learns that Christina is a gentleman of means and engages him/her, in conversation. Christina impresses Antonio, after which insists that he take her to his room, the last room in the inn. After a polite argument, the couple decide to share the room. While Antonio undresses, Christina becomes uncomfortable, but finally reveals that she is a woman by removing her jacket. Surprised, Antonio takes Christina in his arms. For the next several days, Christina and Antonio, who is still unaware of her royal identity, fall in love and promise their lasting devotion to each other. Needing to accomplish his mission, Antonio leaves the inn, but arranges to meet with Christina in Stockholm.

Back at the palace, Christina is confronted by Magnus, who questions her about her disappearance. Christina's only care, is her reunion with Antonio and dresses up in her most beautiful gown to greet him. When Antonio is introduced to Christina, he is surprised but maintains his composure. Later in private Antonio, accuses her for playing with his affections and presents to her a proposal of marriage. Christina ignores her royal duties to spend time with Antonio. Jealous, Magnus hires two men to spread rumors about the queen's scandalous behavior, and one night in the Palace, Christina is met by an angry mob.

After calming the crowd, Christina confronts Magnus, where he threatens to have Antonio killed. For his protection, Christina orders Antonio back to Spain, unaware that the Spaniard has challenged Magnus to a duel. Christina calls together her court, announces that she is stepping down from the throne. While Christina says good by to her heartbroken court, Antonio and Magnus engage in their sword fight. What will Christina find when she reaches Antonio's ship?

Fun Fact:
Since John Gilbert was becoming less popular as a leading man, Greta Garbo was doing him a big favor by requesting him as the male lead. Unfortunately, the film did not help to re-establish Gilbert, and soon after he dropped out of pictures altogether.

I just watched Queen Christina for the first time. For me, it is a beautiful and haunting film. John Gilbert and Greta Garbo had wonderful on screen chemistry. My favorite scene in the movie, is when she is enjoying herself as a woman.

Red Dust(1932)- Pre Code: You can check the wings and halo at the desk.

Red Dust (1932). Romantic/drama . Director; Victor Fleming. The picture is the second of six movies Clark Gable and Jean Harlow made together and was produced during the Pre-Code era of Hollywood.

Dennis Carson lived in Indochina, leaving his rubber plantation occasionally for fun in the city of Saigon. Soon Vantine a prostitute, arrives at the plantation. She quickly becomes comfortable in the plantation's harsh environment and begins playfully teasing Carson. He resists her charm at first, but soon gives in, and they develop a casual sexual relationship. His new surveyor, Gary Willis and his wife Barbara, arrive just as Vantine, was about ready to leave. Barbara does not like Dennis, until he nurses Gary through malaria. Soon Vantine returns to the plantation because her boat has been damaged, and Dennis, who is now in love with Barbara, tries to protect her from Vantine's character. One day, after they have been caught in a monsoon rain storm, Dennis and Barbara begin to fall in love. Everyone knows about thier romance except Gary, who is sent out on a job by Dennis to survey the plantation. Barbara and Dennis want to marry and Dennis realizes he must tell Gary. He travels to the survey site to break the news to him....

Will Dennis break up their marriage?
Red Dust Movie Trailer.
For me this is one of the films that defined the Pre-Code Era. This film had it all, prostitution, adultery, sex, partial nudity, drunkenness and strong women characters. Plus, it has a very interesting storyline and setting. One of the most interesting things that I found about this film, was how fun the dialog was. Loved the characters: Clark is handsome as ever and Jean Harlow was wonderful character, even with her personal problems. Mary Astor's character is also very well done and believable . I also enjoyed remake, Mogambo (1953), by director John Ford in 1953. This time set in Africa rather than Indochina and shot on location in color, with Ava Gardner in the Harlow role and Grace Kelly playing Astor's part. Clark Gable returned, twenty-one years later, to play the same character.

Chick Flicks at the Movies: NIGHT LIFE IN RENO(1931)- Pre Code.

NIGHT LIFE IN RENO (1931). Pre-code. Director: Raymond Cannon. Cast: Virginia Valli, Jameson Thomas and Dorothy Christy.

John Wyatt is caught with another woman which angers his wife. June decides to make a trip to Reno for a divorce. Since Reno requires a six-week wait for a divorce to become final, June decides to take advantage of the night life. John, not wanting a divorce follows his wife to Reno. Her new lover is married to a jealous woman who shoots him when she learns of their affair. Will June reconcile with her husband?
NIGHT LIFE IN RENO, MOVIE.
I loved the costumes and most of the story line. Although.. I thought it dragged a little during the drunk scene between John and Roy.

Dorothy Christy, performed in the early 1930s as second lead. Christy seemed most at home in slapstick comedies she played the older sister who must be married off to clear the way for her younger sister's happiness in Buster Keaton's Parlor, Bedroom and Bath (1931) and in Laurel & Hardy's Sons of the Desert (1933). She was also in Devil and the Deep (1932) Jane Withers' in the 1934 Shirley Temple musical Bright Eyes. Perhaps her most offbeat role was in the serial Phantom Empire (1935).

Jameson Thomas, English film actor. He appeared in 82 films between 1923 and 1939. On the stage from his early teens, Jameson first performed in The Squaw Man. He made his screen debut in the film Chu Chin Chow(1923). He performed in Piccadilly(1929) as Valentine Wilmot opposite Anna May Wong. .

THE DIVORCEE (1930)- Pre-Code.

The Divorcee (1930) Drama. Based on the novel Ex-Wife by Ursula Parrott. Director: Robert Z. Leonard. Cast: Chester Morris, Norma Shearer, Robert Montgomery, Conrad Nagel, and Florence Eldridge. Other movies with the same title were released in 1917, 1919 and 1969.

Shearer was not first choice for the lead role in The Divorcee, because it was believed that she didn't have enough sex appeal. It was only after Shearer arranged a photo session with George Hurrell and her husband saw the result, that he gave her the role. The original choice was Joan Crawford, who never forgave Shearer for winning the role.

Norma Shearer's character is very strong willed and is the one to propose marriage to her boyfriend at the beginning of the film. On their third wedding anniversary, Jerry learns that Ted has been having an affair with another woman. Brokenhearted, she turns to Don, her husband's best friend, for comfort. Ted refuses to accept her affairs with other men, so they divorce. After several affairs, Jerry meets Paul and goes on vacation with him on his yacht. When she realizes she does not love him, she returns to Paris, on New Year's Eve. Will she find Ted?

I really enjoyed watching The Divorcee which takes a look at the double standard. So far This is one of my personal favorite films of the Pre-Code Era because it's exactly the kind of film that the Code was against.