Manslaughter

"Manslaughter" is an early film in Claudette Colbert's career and although she is the star, it's not a particularly good movie...mostly because she wasn't yet a big star. In other words, she had to appear in whatever crap she could find as she had no power in Hollywood and at least it's a starring role.

Lydia (Colbert) is a rich young lady with a strong sociopathic bent. When her servant is caught stealing Lydia's jewels, Lydia promises to go to court to plead for mercy...but she just doesn't bother! A bit later, she's once again driving about town like a maniac...and a cop is killed due to her actions. Inexplicably, she insists she's guilty and deserves whatever she gets...a HUGE change from how she acted in the story before this.

Lydia is sent to prison...as she clearly deserves. But oddly, the man prosecuting the case (Frederic March) is a guy who is infatuated with Lydia...and vice-versa. This whole romance portion of the film is pretty silly...especially since they barely know each other and she is so incredibly awful! Why would he love her? And, following his conviction, why would he do what he did in the story?! None of the romance rings true in any way. In fact, it's just bad.

In prison, Lydia learns her lesson and becomes a changed woman. This is possible...but hard to believe. What happens next...that's even more difficult to believe!

This is a badly written film with excellent leads. March and Colbert became amazing actors and made some incredible movies shortly after making "Manslaughter"...meaning the bad film didn't end up derailing their career. With lesser actors, this heavyhanded mess MIGHT have destroyed their careers!

For a 1930 film the picture quality was surprisingly good,most impressive was the crash scene ,where Colberts reckless driving causes the death and leads to her conviction. Considering this was a very early performance by her ,she plays the part very well- portraying a lack of sensitivity but without being malicious As good as she is ,I have to reluctantly admit that March steals the show -his pain and torment fill up the screen

Lydia (Claudette Colbert) is wealthy and selfish. She has no time for others as is illustrated when her maid Evans (Hilda Vaughn) is sent to prison for theft. Lydia's evidence could prevent Evans from going to jail but she forgets to turn up. She meets with O'Bannon (Fredric March), a lawyer who is committed to equal rights for rich and poor and although they fall in love, his principles do not sit comfortably with her behaviour. After a car accident in which a policeman dies, he takes the case for prosecution against her and she is sent to prison. How does she cope and what will O'Bannon do next?....

The film is OK to begin with but every scene is just a little too long and so the film starts to drag. The cast are good but the story could have been told at a better pace and with a little more excitement. The way the film resolves itself is rather sudden and convenient for all involved.

Claudette Colbert is so adorable! I know Clara Bow was called the "It Girl," but Claudette Colbert was easily the prettiest, cutest, classiest, most charming actress of the 1930s. And she always wore such beautiful clothes!

In Manslaughter, Claudette plays a spoiled, callous rich girl who enjoys getting her way as often as she does. At a party, she meets and falls in love with Fredric March, the district attorney. Although they are very attracted to each other, their moral outlooks are quite different. Freddie chastises her for bribing a police officer, and she encourages him to skip work in order to party all night long. Then, when Claudette's reckless behavior lands her in court, their love is tested.

It's always so fun to watch pre-code films, and flirtations run off Claudette's tongue effortlessly. The very end is a little silly, but the rest of the movie is a very entertaining drama. If you like early talkies that still carry the feel of silent films, like using title cards and no background music, check this out and get ready to fall in love with Claudette Colbert!

Depression moviegoers got a 2-for-1 treat with this melodrama. A festive romance, complete with water skiing and dance parties highlight the first half. An effective and convincing set up for the 'manslaughter' to follow.

Claudete Colbert is mesmerizing as the unrepentant poor-little-rich-girl Lydia Thorne. She is too busy enjoying life's party to feel her conscience, bribing a cop rather than accept a speeding ticket. And when her maid is convicted of stealing her jewels, Lydia's bridge game is more important than a kind word to the judge. A word that would bring years of freedom to her maid's life.

Enter straight shooting District Attourney Dan O'Bannon (Frederic March). He's busy schmoozing political heavyweights with "equal justice for rich and poor" when he falls under Lydia's spell.

Miss Colbert literally sparkles in Archie Stout's photography. Principally backlit, her satin gown and diamond necklace shimmer in the star filter and complete the trap for O'Bannon and viewer alike. Lots of overhead and dolly shots keep the eye-candy coming. This beautifully mounted production gives no clue why Mr. Stout would be doing the cheapo John Wayne westerns 3 years later. Amazingly, Archie Stout would go onto shoot the sumptuously photographed Angel And The Badman for Wayne years later! An automobile accident (not a run over pedestrian as suggested above) triggers the second half of the film and the regeneration of our heroine, and not without delicious plot twists and turns.

Great performances and production make this a must see for the avid talkie buff. And Claudette Colbert fans will be well pleased to find her already in top gear.