Even audiences eager for High Society slumming gave a pass to this stodgy Early Talkie that sees fading silent star Billie Dove drop her posh fiancé for rising, high-strung violin virtuoso Basil Rathbone. But once he hits it big on the concert circuit, he drops her for man-hungry society swell Kay Francis. It’s enough to give one a nervous breakdown! That’d be Basil, bedridden, unable to lift his bow. But is he really paralyzed or merely faking it to keep Dove by his side (and away from her ex-fiancé) after Francis has dropped him for a fresh pair of pants? Dreary stuff, with little interest shown from director Lloyd Bacon. Rathbone is particularly stagy; and silent beauty Dove (Doug Fairbanks’ co-star in THE BLACK PIRATE/’26), though still lovely, hasn’t much presence. Only naughty Kay Francis shows to advantage, ogling every man she sees, from the stable groom on up, and apparently acting on her desires, social class snobbery be damned! On a technical note, there’s an unusual amount of background score for the period. The only surprise in here.
WATCH THIS, NOT THAT: Dove would call it a day in a couple of years, only 29, playing antagonist to Marion Davies in one the few good Talkies either of them made, BLONDIE OF THE FOLLIES/’32, Frances Marion story; Anita Loos script.
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