Forsaking All Others [DVD] [1934] [Region 1] [US Import] [NTSC]

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) presents "FORSAKING ALL OTHERS" (1934) (84 min/B&W) -- Starring: Robert Montgomery, Joan Crawford, Clark Gable, Charles Butterworth, Billie Burke, Frances Drake, Rosalind Russell

Directed by W.S. Van Dyke

The plot is as follows: -- Dillion (Robert Montgomery) leaves Mary (Joan Crawford) standing at the altar in order to marry his old flame, Connie (Frances Drake), instead. Knowing that Mary still has feelings for Dillion, Jeff (Clark Gable) keeps quiet about his own love for her.

The screenplay is a pretty good one, mainly because the cast of players make the story work in a light yet believable way even when the story becomes somewhat silly and even predictable.

Also of note is an early appearance by Rosalind Russell in a short role later in the film.

Robert Montgomery in a dress is really funny, Good performances by Crawford opening shot with cream on her face is in contrast to other stars who preferred glamorous introductions, Clark Gable as usual is great, Billie Burke who can do "flustered" any better, Rosalind Russell does well in one of her early films and a very droll Charles Butterworth. Frances Drake was believable as the lower class wife.

Montgomery was one of the first to have a dramatic television series, "Robert Montgomery Presents" (1950), won the Emmy as the Best Dramatic Program of 1953.

W.S. Van Dyke is the director of this film, and he knew how to combine sexual tension and comedy in an age of aggressive censorship, and this is a fine example of his work, which should get more attention than it has.

Special footnote: -- The original play opened in New York City, New York, USA on 1 March 1933 and had 110 performance. Tallulah Bankhead played Mary Clay and the cast included Ilka Chase, Barbara O'Neil, Cora Witherspoon, Fred Keating, Anderson Lawler, Harlan Briggs and George Lessey.

BIOS:
1. W.S. Van Dyke [aka: Woodbridge Strong Van Dyke II] (Director)
Date of Birth: 21 March 1889 - San Diego, California
Date of Death: 5 February 1943 - Brentwood, California

2. Robert Montgomery [aka: Henry Montgomery Jr.]
Date of Birth: 21 May 1904 - Beacon, New York
Date of Death: 27 September 1981 - New York City, New York

3. Joan Crawford [aka: Lucille Fay LeSueur]
Date of Birth: 23 March 1905 - San Antonio, Texas
Date of Death: 10 May 1977 - New York City, New York

4. Clark Gable
Date of birth: 1 February 1901 - Cadiz, Ohio,
Date of death: 16 November 1960 - Los Angeles, California

5. Charles Butterworth
Date of Birth: 26 July 1896 - South Bend, Indiana
Date of Death: 14 June 1946 - Los Angeles, California

6. Billie Burke [aka: Mary William Ethelbert Appleton Burke
Date of Birth: 7 August 1884 - Washington, District of Columbia
Date of Death: 14 May 1970 - Los Angeles, California

7. Frances Drake [aka: Frances Dean]
Date of Birth: 22 October 1912 - New York City, New York
Date of Death: 18 January 2000 - Irvine, California

8. Rosalind Russell
Date of Birth: 4 June 1907 - Waterbury, Connecticut
Date of Death: 28 November 1976 - Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, California

Mr. Jim's Ratings:
Quality of Picture & Sound: 4 Stars
Performance: 4 Stars
Story & Screenplay: 4 Stars
Overall: 4 Stars [Original Music, Cinematography & Film Editing]

Total Time: 84 min on DVD ~ Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) ~ (June 22, 2009)