Films that are relatively unique deserve extra credit. And how many films do you see about power line repair men? This film also gets some extra credit for having a surprisingly strong cast: Edward G. Robinson, Marlene Dietrich, and George Raft star. Supporting actors include Alan Hale, Sr., Frank McHugh, Eve Arden, Barton MacLane, and Ward Bond.
It also caught my attention because I had a cousin who did electrical work for Kodak, was electrocuted, and although he lived and was eventually sort of okay, at the time his head swelled up to almost double its normal size.
I've always liked Edward G. Robinson, especially when he's not in a gangster flick. And he's very good here as a sort of common guy who is a power line worker who doesn't know how to charm women.
I never cared much for George Raft, but more recently I've been reexamining him, and he was pretty good in certain types of films. And, he's very good here. They say he gave Robinson a hard time while making this film, but it doesn't show at all on screen. There's a great scene where Raft slaps Dietrich across the face...twice! It's extremely rare that I have enjoyed Marlene Dietrich in a film, but here I admit she does rather nicely, and acts like a real person.
Alan Hale, Sr. is a pretty dependable character actor, but I don't feel that he shined here. And, in fact. his performance points to the biggest problem I have with this film. The electrical work crew (most of the supporting actors) act far too goofy. I can't really blame the actors, but I sure will blame the screen writers and director.
When I was a kid I remember liking Frank McHugh. The older I get, however, the less impressed I have become, and he seems very limited to me.
Eve Arden is here as a saloon gal, but the role is inconsequential. Barton MacLane plays the bad guy here, but his same old limited performance. Ward Bond, one of my favorite character actors, is here, too, but it's not a role with much depth.
The ending of this film surprised me, and I'm surprised it was approved.
It also caught my attention because I had a cousin who did electrical work for Kodak, was electrocuted, and although he lived and was eventually sort of okay, at the time his head swelled up to almost double its normal size.
I've always liked Edward G. Robinson, especially when he's not in a gangster flick. And he's very good here as a sort of common guy who is a power line worker who doesn't know how to charm women.
I never cared much for George Raft, but more recently I've been reexamining him, and he was pretty good in certain types of films. And, he's very good here. They say he gave Robinson a hard time while making this film, but it doesn't show at all on screen. There's a great scene where Raft slaps Dietrich across the face...twice! It's extremely rare that I have enjoyed Marlene Dietrich in a film, but here I admit she does rather nicely, and acts like a real person.
Alan Hale, Sr. is a pretty dependable character actor, but I don't feel that he shined here. And, in fact. his performance points to the biggest problem I have with this film. The electrical work crew (most of the supporting actors) act far too goofy. I can't really blame the actors, but I sure will blame the screen writers and director.
When I was a kid I remember liking Frank McHugh. The older I get, however, the less impressed I have become, and he seems very limited to me.
Eve Arden is here as a saloon gal, but the role is inconsequential. Barton MacLane plays the bad guy here, but his same old limited performance. Ward Bond, one of my favorite character actors, is here, too, but it's not a role with much depth.
The ending of this film surprised me, and I'm surprised it was approved.