Review of Chained

Chained (1934) stars Joan Crawford, Clark Gable, Otto Kruger, and Stuart Erwin. This was the fifth of eight movies that Crawford and Gable made together. They were known for their incredible chemistry on screen, and Chained is no exception. This movie has romance, humor, and even some good atmosphere in parts. This movie is basically about a woman who is torn between two men and she needs to decide who she wants to be with. That's all I want to say. I don't want to give anything away. The movie was well shot and was directed by Clarence Brown. Crawford's acting is excellent. She turns on Niagara Falls several times in this movie just like she does in every movie she's in. Nobody in cinematic history was better at this than Crawford. Gable comes across as a little bit unconvincing in certain parts - his reaction to certain things that happen during the movie is as if it doesn't affect him the way you would think it would affect him. Overall, though, his acting is pretty good. Otto Kruger gives a good performance throughout - very solid.

When this movie was made, Crawford was at the peak of her career at MGM. This movie was made right after Sadie McKee (1934).

I give this movie 5 stars because of the basic story, plot, cinematography, quality of acting, and camera-work.