This one I knew wasn't going to a ground breaking film from the 30's but I saw that Edward G. Robinson was in it so I had to watch it. I didn't live back in the 30's but I can bet that even back then no one would believe the basic plot line in this one. Totally ridiculous.
The premise is that an actress is coming back from a lengthy illness/sabbatical. She has a successful turn at her first acting in a play in a while and it's a success. Her brother is almost done with acting but does the play because she's in it. He loves her. The issue is she has a nefarious husband who's life is to make everyone's life around worse by doing one thing....hypnotizing them. The reason his wife was "away" because he has an overpowering effect on her and she needed to get away from him. Luckily, he got jail time so she had time to recuperate.
When you first see this guys character come into play and hearing his first lines and his demeanor you can't help but laugh. It's so stupid. Can you imagine? Someone who can hypnotize most around him or that his over bearing personality can make people do whatever he wants. I mean as soon as we see him, his wife goes back into the trance like state. It's just beyond unbelievable. Of course there are a few who don't buy it and one is her brother (Edward G). He prepares a detailed plan to get him out of there life. I won't go into detail with that part because it's actually pretty good.
The reason why this film barely works is because Edwar G. Robinson saves it. He's such a good actor he could have made Plan 9 from Outer Space a decent "B" film. He brings such ability to the screen you believe in what he portrays. The ending is quite good and I'm sure you'll agree. I would have given this film a higher rating but the basic plot point is so stupid I just couldn't.
Watch this when your bored on a Saturday afternoon and be prepared to watch a plot that's right out of a Soap Opera.
The premise is that an actress is coming back from a lengthy illness/sabbatical. She has a successful turn at her first acting in a play in a while and it's a success. Her brother is almost done with acting but does the play because she's in it. He loves her. The issue is she has a nefarious husband who's life is to make everyone's life around worse by doing one thing....hypnotizing them. The reason his wife was "away" because he has an overpowering effect on her and she needed to get away from him. Luckily, he got jail time so she had time to recuperate.
When you first see this guys character come into play and hearing his first lines and his demeanor you can't help but laugh. It's so stupid. Can you imagine? Someone who can hypnotize most around him or that his over bearing personality can make people do whatever he wants. I mean as soon as we see him, his wife goes back into the trance like state. It's just beyond unbelievable. Of course there are a few who don't buy it and one is her brother (Edward G). He prepares a detailed plan to get him out of there life. I won't go into detail with that part because it's actually pretty good.
The reason why this film barely works is because Edwar G. Robinson saves it. He's such a good actor he could have made Plan 9 from Outer Space a decent "B" film. He brings such ability to the screen you believe in what he portrays. The ending is quite good and I'm sure you'll agree. I would have given this film a higher rating but the basic plot point is so stupid I just couldn't.
Watch this when your bored on a Saturday afternoon and be prepared to watch a plot that's right out of a Soap Opera.