It was just about a dozen years earlier that Vidor persuaded MGM to allow him to film "The Crowd." That film dealt with ordinary people struggling to find happiness and personal satisfaction.
It has been said "The Crowd" was allowed by Irving Thalberg as a bonus prize to Vidor for turning in so many lucrative films over the years. It's clear "The Crowd" was an experimental, prestige picture that Thalberg though should be a limited part of a major studio's repertoire.
Where "The Crowd" is about the individual seeking success and solace in a quest to better himself, so "H. M. Putham, Esq." likewise is about a one's desire to find happiness and peace of mind amidst the daily routine of society. Where the former is set in a lower class environment, the latter is in the upper.
The basic problems remain the same: Is one sure others really love them, or mere think they do? Where does dull dutifulness end and lively spontaneity begin? Both of these heroes settle for what they've got in the end, and reside to what circumstances has dealt them. Thus we have two experimental Vidor films, with "The Crowd" being the more financially successful of the two.
Personally, I respect and like both equally. "Putham" is very subtle in script, directing and acting, and requires the viewer to pay close attention to small details. There's nothing explosive or overly dramatic about it, just subdued emotion mirroring real life.
It's beautifully played by Hedy Lamarr in one of her best roles, Robert Young in an under-played manner, and Ruth Hussey as a stabilizing element. One of the most experimental films a major studio ever released.
It has been said "The Crowd" was allowed by Irving Thalberg as a bonus prize to Vidor for turning in so many lucrative films over the years. It's clear "The Crowd" was an experimental, prestige picture that Thalberg though should be a limited part of a major studio's repertoire.
Where "The Crowd" is about the individual seeking success and solace in a quest to better himself, so "H. M. Putham, Esq." likewise is about a one's desire to find happiness and peace of mind amidst the daily routine of society. Where the former is set in a lower class environment, the latter is in the upper.
The basic problems remain the same: Is one sure others really love them, or mere think they do? Where does dull dutifulness end and lively spontaneity begin? Both of these heroes settle for what they've got in the end, and reside to what circumstances has dealt them. Thus we have two experimental Vidor films, with "The Crowd" being the more financially successful of the two.
Personally, I respect and like both equally. "Putham" is very subtle in script, directing and acting, and requires the viewer to pay close attention to small details. There's nothing explosive or overly dramatic about it, just subdued emotion mirroring real life.
It's beautifully played by Hedy Lamarr in one of her best roles, Robert Young in an under-played manner, and Ruth Hussey as a stabilizing element. One of the most experimental films a major studio ever released.