Blonde Crazy

This is one of those very early talkie/precodes that I wish would come out on DVD. At this point in its history - 1931 - Warner Bros. was the mass producer of urban dramas and films that realistically portrayed the depression. Some of the films Warner made during this time were quite forgettable, and others had something special. This film is one of those special efforts, largely due to the acting skills of Joan Blondell and the great James Cagney and the on-screen chemistry they had. Cagney's character (Bert Harris) starts out as a bellboy in a midwestern hotel who is instantly attracted to Joan Blondell's character (Anne Roberts) when she applies for a job as a hotel maid. Bert wants a career as a confidence man and talks Anne into going into business with him as a partner. They work their way up from that small midwestern town into larger stakes in New York. Along the way Cagney runs into someone who ends up taking him instead of vice versa, Dan Barker, played by Louis Calhern. Calhern always excelled at playing the part of a slippery type, and his performance here is no exception. After settling the score with Dan, Anne wants out of the racket so she can marry a nice young man she has met along the way, and this seems like the end of the film. However, there is one final twist at the end that reunites Anne and Bert in a way that is totally unexpected.

Even though this film was made after Cagney's star-making role in "Public Enemy", he still doesn't have his gangster/wise guy personna down yet. That makes one of the unexpected pleasures of the film seeing how he is still finding his way as far as his trademark gestures go in his later roles. Highly recommended.

The idea for 'Blonde Crazy' sounded very interesting and gave the impression that it would be a very entertaining film if done right. Have for a while liked both James Cagney and Joan Blondell, both had a fair share of great performances under their belt, and they showed that when together that they sparkled so well. Roy Del Ruth was a competent director who did make some enjoyable films, saw 'Employees Entrance' recently and loved it and 'On Moonlight Bay' is still delightful.

Seeing Ray Milland in such an early role before he hit his peak was an interest point too. On the most part, 'Blonde Crazy' was a hugely enjoyable film with terrific performances from the two stars. For me this is one of Del Ruth's better films despite not being perfect, and really admired how daring a lot of it was. For me, the first half is better than the second (which is still very watchable). Did prefer the more witty, faster paced and risque quality of the first half, which didn't take itself seriously like some of the second half did.

'Blonde Crazy' is well made visually, especially the clever and atmospheric photography that still looks pretty pristine now. It is directed at a fast and furious pace by Del Ruth, without feeling muddled or too hasty. Absolutely loved the sass of the script, full of razor sharp wit and a surprising daring quality that one doesn't expect to this extent even at that time (where you could get away with much more before the Code was enforced around the mid-30s).

Furthermore, the story is on the silly side but never feels dull or padded, nor does it feel convoluted, and enlivened by the sizzling chemistry between Cagney and Blondell. The bathtub scene makes the jaw drop. Cagney and Blondell both give scorching performances, especially Blondell though Cagney's comic timing really shines in the first half, and Louis Calhern gives distinguished support. Most of the rest of the cast do very well though their characters don't have as much meat.

On the other hand, 'Blonde Crazy', despite being suspenseful and entertaining still, takes itself a little too seriously in the second half and doesn't have the same amount of the sass, wit and risque-ness of the first half. A very young Milland comes over as stiff and inexperienced-looking.

Also found the ending a bit too abrupt and like the film was trying to wrap things up too hastily and neatly.

Concluding, hugely enjoyable. 8/10

Pre-Coder starring James Cagney as a hotel bellboy with a knack for conning people who falls for Joan Blondell and gets more than his fair share of trouble for it. Mixed bag but enjoyable enough. Jimmy's the main reason to recommend this one. He's delightfully cocky and energizes every scene. The way he moves and talks throughout the picture is fascinating to watch. He was still relatively new to movies but you would never know it by how confident his performance is here. Starts out like a comedy but turns more serious when Louis Calhern and Ray Milland enter the picture. It's not quite as enjoyable from that point on.

Bert Harris (James Cagney) is a bellhop at a small town hotel. When a looker (Joan Blondell as Anne Roberts) arrives, he arranges for her employment in the housekeeping department.

Bert is a schemer who is loose with the truth and has a love of the ladies. He says, "The world owes me a living." Despite the fact Bert is "not a collar ad", Anne is intrigued by his persona. But she is a good girl, immune to his advances. Still, they become partners and use a small-time frame to finance their move to a larger city.

Being a fan of films about grifting, I really enjoy this film, which includes multiple examples of the con. The stakes get higher as the story continues. One con is reminiscent of "The Sting".

It is also fun to watch pre-Code films, with their peculiar characteristics and their vernacular. Bert, though a criminal, displays an odd code of ethics that is central to the story, though unacceptable by Hays' standards.

Cagney displays his usual bluster and bravado. Blondell is charming. Watch for the very young Ray Milland.

This is the kind of film the Hays Office was established to prevent. Jimmy Cagney as a charming, likable con man. Adorable Joan Blondell in the bathtub. Glamourization of (still illegal) alcohol. Fraud, theft and assault all served up cool and bubbly as champagne. I loved it! If you ever wondered why Cagney became such a big star, just watch him in this early effort. He was truly one of the most magnetic personalities of early Hollywood. Turner Classic Movies print in pretty good shape, which can't be said of a lot of films of this vintage. Watch, enjoy!