"The Earl of Chicago" is billed as a drama, but not as a crime story. It's definitely a crime film, and somewhat of a mystery. At least for those who will enjoy it the most. And that comes from the opening scene when Edward Arnold's character, Doc Ramsey, swears that Silky Kilmount is a crook and betrayer. Robert Montgomery plays Silky, who comes to greet Doc and hire him as Doc gets released from prison. From then on, true mystery buffs are kept interested in wondering and watching for when and how Doc will get his revenge.
The plot takes a hilarious turn - although this isn't comedy, it has some absurdly funny aspects. That Silky would be the heir to a landed title and estate in England gives the film a touch of farce. And that's only because of who the character of Silky is - as played by Montgomery. His high-pitched, almost squeaky voice, is far out. One wonders at the actor's and possibly the director's decision to go with such a persona. Maybe it was to lure the audience away from the usual image of Montgomery and the characters he played. But, it seems to me that his typical cad-ish persona would have fit perfectly here - perhaps with just a little more meanness. Because, as it is, it's hard to believe that Silky is a serious crook and not some impish little kid. His cartoonish character soon grates and pulls this film down. It's so outlandish that his complete turn at the end is just as far out and unbelievable.
Silky's speech and pitch also become grating after a while. And, his level of "dumbness" in not even knowing about Abe Lincoln, is another piece of the story that's out in left field. The drama, I suppose, is supposed to be in Silky's having been raised in an orphanage. Well, what I know from people who have such a background, is that kids don't come out of orphanages so densely dumb as this character.
Edward Arnold, Edmund Gwenn, and Reginald Owen give very good performances, and save this otherwise boorish film. Without them, it wouldn't rate even five stars. Robert Montgomery was a talented, if somewhat cast often in stereo-type roles. If he was trying to impress anyone with his acting ability in the persona he has in this film, I doubt that many in any audience would be impressed.
This is definitely a quirky, weird film, and very goofy at times. The overplaying of his snippy voice by Montgomery, I think, sets this film way back. Otherwise, it would have been much more appealing and interesting.
Here are the best three lines in the film.
Doc Ramsey, "Silky, you're positively Machiavellian." Silky Kilmount, "Yeah, sure. Heh, heh, heh! But only with you, Doc. Heh, heh, heh!"
Silky Kilmount, "I get it! I get it! I pull a few strings and I get my dough anytime I wanna, huh? Maybe get a couple of judges on the telephone. That's no different from the 69th Ward Democratic Club. That's not a bad idea."
Silky Kilmount, "Wait a minute! Wait a minute! Ladies and gentlemen. Thank you for the nomination. And if I'm elected, I promise you free beer and no jobs for Republicans. How's that?
The plot takes a hilarious turn - although this isn't comedy, it has some absurdly funny aspects. That Silky would be the heir to a landed title and estate in England gives the film a touch of farce. And that's only because of who the character of Silky is - as played by Montgomery. His high-pitched, almost squeaky voice, is far out. One wonders at the actor's and possibly the director's decision to go with such a persona. Maybe it was to lure the audience away from the usual image of Montgomery and the characters he played. But, it seems to me that his typical cad-ish persona would have fit perfectly here - perhaps with just a little more meanness. Because, as it is, it's hard to believe that Silky is a serious crook and not some impish little kid. His cartoonish character soon grates and pulls this film down. It's so outlandish that his complete turn at the end is just as far out and unbelievable.
Silky's speech and pitch also become grating after a while. And, his level of "dumbness" in not even knowing about Abe Lincoln, is another piece of the story that's out in left field. The drama, I suppose, is supposed to be in Silky's having been raised in an orphanage. Well, what I know from people who have such a background, is that kids don't come out of orphanages so densely dumb as this character.
Edward Arnold, Edmund Gwenn, and Reginald Owen give very good performances, and save this otherwise boorish film. Without them, it wouldn't rate even five stars. Robert Montgomery was a talented, if somewhat cast often in stereo-type roles. If he was trying to impress anyone with his acting ability in the persona he has in this film, I doubt that many in any audience would be impressed.
This is definitely a quirky, weird film, and very goofy at times. The overplaying of his snippy voice by Montgomery, I think, sets this film way back. Otherwise, it would have been much more appealing and interesting.
Here are the best three lines in the film.
Doc Ramsey, "Silky, you're positively Machiavellian." Silky Kilmount, "Yeah, sure. Heh, heh, heh! But only with you, Doc. Heh, heh, heh!"
Silky Kilmount, "I get it! I get it! I pull a few strings and I get my dough anytime I wanna, huh? Maybe get a couple of judges on the telephone. That's no different from the 69th Ward Democratic Club. That's not a bad idea."
Silky Kilmount, "Wait a minute! Wait a minute! Ladies and gentlemen. Thank you for the nomination. And if I'm elected, I promise you free beer and no jobs for Republicans. How's that?