Jean Harlow was always a delight and it was truly sad that she died at such a young age with so much more to give, bad performances were rare from her and she even gave performances that were better than the films themselves. Whether Robert Taylor was good or not was dependent on the material, while the attraction is definitely understandable he was variable for personal tastes. Also like some of WS Van Dyke's other films, am especially fond of the first 'The Thin Man'.
All three have done a lot better than 'Personal Property', a watered down and safer "remake" of 'Man of Possession'. While it does need a rewatch, from what can be remembered it was a superior film. Not that 'Personal Property' is a bad film, despite how all of that sounded. Actually found it quite watchable and an inoffensive watch with a good deal that does work, but at the same time it could have been a lot better, had some weak elements, does not see great talent at its very best and could have taken a lot more risks.
There are certainly good things about 'Personal Property'. It looks good, loved the elaborate settings and costumes and the photography avoids being too confined or too distant. The script does have some sparkling moments, with some some nice witty dialogue in parts and some amusing gags. The romantic chemistry between Taylor and Harlow is sweet and charming. Taylor was an unusual choice for a role that would have suited somebody like Cary Grant perfectly, but actually he does very well here and it was great to see him show a lighter touch to usual. He looks dashing too.
Harlow is definitely not at her best here and by her standards this is quite low-key for her, but she is still likeable and has good comic timing. Reginald Owen thoroughly enjoys himself and Una O'Connor does a lot with too little.
Do think though that the story could have been a lot better. It is very flimsy and the silliness goes overboard, especially in some pretty credibility straining (pushed to the limit-worthy). Too much of it feels padded, indicative of too little material stretched out to suit feature length. As a result some of the film was a drag narratively and Van Dyke's sometimes sluggish direction doesn't help things.
Some of the humour is quite corny and for some will induce groans, parts could have done with more spark as well. Too much of the material felt too safe and somewhat bland for something that was crying out for more of a daring approach, held back by being restricted by the production code.
In a nutshell, worth a look but not something to see in a hurry unless if a Harlow or Taylor completest. 6/10
All three have done a lot better than 'Personal Property', a watered down and safer "remake" of 'Man of Possession'. While it does need a rewatch, from what can be remembered it was a superior film. Not that 'Personal Property' is a bad film, despite how all of that sounded. Actually found it quite watchable and an inoffensive watch with a good deal that does work, but at the same time it could have been a lot better, had some weak elements, does not see great talent at its very best and could have taken a lot more risks.
There are certainly good things about 'Personal Property'. It looks good, loved the elaborate settings and costumes and the photography avoids being too confined or too distant. The script does have some sparkling moments, with some some nice witty dialogue in parts and some amusing gags. The romantic chemistry between Taylor and Harlow is sweet and charming. Taylor was an unusual choice for a role that would have suited somebody like Cary Grant perfectly, but actually he does very well here and it was great to see him show a lighter touch to usual. He looks dashing too.
Harlow is definitely not at her best here and by her standards this is quite low-key for her, but she is still likeable and has good comic timing. Reginald Owen thoroughly enjoys himself and Una O'Connor does a lot with too little.
Do think though that the story could have been a lot better. It is very flimsy and the silliness goes overboard, especially in some pretty credibility straining (pushed to the limit-worthy). Too much of it feels padded, indicative of too little material stretched out to suit feature length. As a result some of the film was a drag narratively and Van Dyke's sometimes sluggish direction doesn't help things.
Some of the humour is quite corny and for some will induce groans, parts could have done with more spark as well. Too much of the material felt too safe and somewhat bland for something that was crying out for more of a daring approach, held back by being restricted by the production code.
In a nutshell, worth a look but not something to see in a hurry unless if a Harlow or Taylor completest. 6/10