THE WOMAN I LOVE (1937)

Lost between prestige hits THE STORY OF LOUIS PASTEUR/’36; THE GOOD EARTH/’37; the Oscar’d LIFE OF EMILE ZOLA/’37, Paul Muni’s airborne WWI drama (loaned to R.K.O. from Warners) is now little known.  A pity, since it holds up well, better than some of his ‘in disguise’ period films.  Impressively mounted by Anatole Litvak, poached by Hollywood after MAYERLING/’36 (https://maksquibs.blogspot.com/2011/08/mayerling-1936.html), to remake his own L'ÉQUIPAGE/’35 (not seen here) with Muni, Miriam Hopkins & Louis Hayward in for Charles Vanel, Annabella & Jean-Pierre Aumont.  Some of this shot-for-shot copy (with reused background & action footage?), physical production and tech execution is stunning.  If only the earthbound love triangle were as compelling as military life & drama in the skies!  Briefly, young Hayward meets-cute in Paris with married Hopkins the day before he’s called up.  Assigned as a gunner to Muni, the least popular man in his unit, he has no idea the new pash is the unhappy wife of his pilot partner.  Yikes!  It’s bromance & bonding as the men make an unbeatable team in the air, removing the jinx Muni had with previous gunner-mates.  But once the situation is sniffed out, une froid settles between the pair just before the next big push.  Perhaps this romantic fatalism played better in French.  Even so, the film grows on you even if Hayward’s playing is too callow even for this callow youth.  Hopkins & Muni both excellent.  But, my goodness, check out Annabella as the unhappy but honorable wife in the original.  Shockingly young and beautiful next to husband Vanel where Muni & Hopkins make a relatively well-matched couple, at least in age & looks.  But definitely worth a watch.  And check out the adorable kid playing Hayward’s baby brother.  He’s Wally Albright and he can really act.

ATTENTION MUST BE PAID:  Title change to THE WOMAN BETWEEN in the U.K. to avoid thoughts of King Edward VIII’s recent abdication over ‘The woman I love.’ 

DOUBLE-BILL:  The French original, L'ÉQUIPAGE/’35, is easily found in a beautiful restoration on-line.  What can’t be found are English subtitles to go with it.  But if your French is good enough, it’s surely the one to go for.