Tag: Tony Gaudio

LADY KILLER (1933)

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Directed By: Roy Del Ruth

Written By: Ben Markson and Lilie Hayward

Based on the story “The Finger Man” By: Rosalind Keating Shaffer 

Cinematography: Tony Gaudio

Editor: George Amy 

Cast: James Cagney, Mae Clarke, Margaret Lindsay, Leslie Fenton, Douglas Dumbrille, Russell Hopton, Raymond Hatton, Henry O’Neill 

When a movie theater usher is fired, he takes up with criminals and finds himself quite adept at various illegal activities. Eventually though, the police catch up with him, and he runs to hide out in Los Angeles. There he stumbles into the movie business and soon rises to stardom. He has gone straight, but his newfound success arouses the interest of his old criminal associates, who are not above blackmail.

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The films of James Cagney’s work that I see, he is swiftly becoming one of my favorite actors of all time.

As he has a screen presence personality, and tons of range and while this film, is it quite one of his memorable ones.  it’s still an interesting entry in his résumé and one can see why he starred in it.

The film is pre-code Hollywood where anything goes. 

As the first half definitely works and it’s fun, funny and seems to move quite long at a quick pace that stays charming. Though once the second half of the film starts where he has to relocate and go to Hollywood and we see him work his way up the ladder. In various roles for the studio.

Where this part of the film is where the romance starts, it also allows us to see him in various costumes and roles that come off more comedic, and are truly a time capsule of old Hollywood for those fanatics which shows how they would dress up extras as Native Americans and westerns and the special effects that they would use

It also allows us for a good part of the film to see James Cagney with a hideous thin mustache. Now once his life has seemed to have settled his old cronies and business partners from his passing to hunt him down and find him and while this should be thrilling this is actually What brings the film down as it’s not as fun or inventive as the rest of the film and really makes the film dragged towards the end and this film is under 90 minutes already

One quality that is notable is the viciousness in which he treats one of his old female compatriots and seemingly ex lover when he throws her out he’s just so outrageously violent towards her that it almost feels comical, which seems to be what the film is going for but watching it it feels over-the-top and cruel, no matter what happened in their past. I’m talking Tyler Perry melodramatic over the top.

The film is a crime keeper comedy and does whisk along rather quick, but truly James Cagney is the only reason to watch this film. He is the star and truly is one in this film. While the rest of the cast is good enough but not all that memorable 

James Cagney said in interviews it’s not one of his finest. In fact, I had never heard of it until it came up on a streaming service and decided to give it a chance.

So for this one I say watch at your own risk, but if you’re a James Cagney fan, I think it’s enjoyable

GRADE: C 

THE MAN WHO CAME TO DINNER (1941)

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Directed By: William Keighley 

Written By: Julius J. Epstein & Philip G. Epstein

Based On The Stage Play By: George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart

Cinematography: Tony Gaudio

Editor: Jack Killifer 

Cast: Monty Woolley, Ann Sheridan, Bette Davis, Jimmy Durante, Richard Travis, Billie Burke, Reginald Gardiner, Elisabeth Fraser, Grant Mitchell, Mary Wickes 

Sheridan Whiteside, an eccentric and acid-tongued radio lecturer, is disabled on the doorstep of a prominent Ohio family and must remain confined to the unwilling family’s home for a few days. Discovering what he believes to be problems within the household, hatches a plot to fix all of the household’s problems. 

Sherry then proceeds to find out that his leg is fine so he bribes the doctor to declare him unfit to leave for a few weeks so he can meddle with the lives of the members of the household. But has he made a mistake?

While you definitely notice the film’s theater origins as a play by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart. 

The highlights of the movie are the main character of the movie played by Monty Woolley. Even in a film with two female superstars of the time Anne Sheridan and Bettie Davis. He is the one who is given the most screen time and the best laughs.

Ann Sheridan at least gets chances for her character to join in on the comedy. Bettie Davis plays an important character but barely gets anything to really do. As she is more of a straight woman throughout. 

Woolley’s character is acid-tongued and insults almost everyone around him. He is an intellectual snob who believes he is better than everyone. While it is never particularly said he seems to also be homosexual. The film makes it seem that he is different in taste and class than his wealthy benefactors whose house he slips in front of and is forced to put up with him. While they put him up.

Throughout he causes all sorts of trouble for the family particularly the matriarch and in true selfish fashion. When his assistant played by David falls in love. He tries to sabotage it not because he is in love with his assistant but for her companionship. One could see it as he has been made to feel like an outsider all of his life because of his style, intelligence, and decor. 

So now he is taking it out on everyone who is considered normal and hetero to a degree. As no one is safe from his tongue lashings. Most accept them as they aren’t aware they are being insulted, others who do can only bluster as they know they can’t do anything about it. Those Who try to verbally spar often lose. Even his accomplices tend to switch sides or he turns on them at least once or twice.

He is technically the villain but also the centerpiece and most interesting character that you end up loving to hate him or hate to love him.

It might as well be a one-man show. As Monty Woolley shines in every scene and takes over. Most characters in this movie talk a mile a minute and so does the action and jokes at times. As it is a kind of screwball comedy. He is the main focus even telegenic the film tries to throw some sight gags and physical comedy in the mix it feels like leftover from the fresh and sharp dialogue. So that anytime it leaves him or focuses on another character. It slows down and becomes a bit dull.

The only other person in the film who truly steals scenes is Jimmy Durante and his antics who come into the film in the third act as another accomplice of Woolley’s He gives the film much-needed energy. As Durante on screen is so energetic it’s like he drank 12 lattes before each take. His appearance is a late great surprise. 

Ultimately the film is entertaining and can see why It’s Considered a classic. Though It’s not as strong as one would hope if it wasn’t for the main role. This film would feel rather basic. It might be the direction or presentation overall. 

Grade: B