feaito Posted February 3, 2005 Share Posted February 3, 2005 I watched this movie last night, I had taped it when TCM scheduled it along with "Smart Woman", "Symphony of Six Million", "The Half Naked Truth", "What Every Woman Knows", "My Man Godfrey", as part of a Gregory La Cava Tribute. I loved it and wrote this: What a movie! I had a field day watching this great, socio-political themed movie, which was released at the peak of the Depression (1933) and which depicts the "glorious" events that took place in the story, when the just elected U.S. President's being is "possessed" by an "angel" of justice & peace. It's an allegorical, unique photoplay, expertly directed by the great Gregory La Cava, with another mesmerizing performance by one of the greatest American actors of all-time, Mr. Walter Huston, as the President. Franchot Tone and Karen Morley, two very fine actors that were under contract to MGM during this period, show their skill and wide acting range, giving Huston flawless support as the President's aides. The sequences that take place at the U.S. Congress and during an International Confference aboard a big ship, are especially noteworthy. Once again, since I watched it on TCM, thanks TCM for being one of the most cherished treasure-vaults of the Media and please Time Warner, release it on DVD Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nickdimeo Posted February 3, 2005 Share Posted February 3, 2005 I personally would of liked to see it go the other way. Have Walter Huston turn from cordial candidate to corrupt candidate. I can't stand movies where everybody has to reform for good (i.e. Frank Capra's movies). By the way, I hope you taped The Half Naked Truth this was a great Lee Tracy movie that I gave 5 stars. I hardly ever give any movie 5 stars but with Tracy, Lupe Velez and Frank Morgan this was a real winner! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nickdimeo Posted February 3, 2005 Share Posted February 3, 2005 I meant to say Huston was a politician (President) not a candidate. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
feaito Posted February 3, 2005 Author Share Posted February 3, 2005 "The Half-Naked Truth" is the following on my list, 'cos it's taped after "Gabriel...". I know what you mean by that remark on Lee Tracy, I saw his performance in "Bombshell" the other day, it's non-stop fun! About Huston, we have to remember he was a good villain too: i.e. as "Trampas" in 1929 "The Virginian" opposite Gary Cooper. Personally what I liked more about "Gabriel...", was that although he turned from corrupt to "good", he had a certain "megalomaniacal" quality when "good"...and let's not forget that he became a Dictator. IMHO, this film was very different from anything Capra did, at least the better known "Capras". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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