Two Against the World

Wonderful movie for its time - great story with lots of intricate twists - and while I agree that the pairing of Bennett and Hamilton might be a bit off, it was wonderfully (naturally) acted all around. It was particularly fun to see Helen Vinson in such a feminine light before she became known for her "shrewish" roles (see "In Name Only" for one) and "Aunt Em" Clara Blandick as the snobbish spinster aunt was fun, too. Anticipating the "human clotheshanger" Bennett's appearance each scene is always fun. Don't agree that Carole Lombard would have been right for this role - just not enough sophistication for the part although no flies on her!!! Very enjoyable and I also underline how underrated Constance Bennett was!!!

What an Odd Ending. This Entertaining Poke at the Snobbish Elite who Go about Their Detached, Uncaring, Whimsical Ways in the Throes of the Great Depression and much Human Suffering is Average or slightly above.

Constance Bennett's Natural Acting is in full Command and the Supporting Cast Lead by Neil Hamilton are OK. The Film is Professionally Handled and the Social Concerns of the Time are Given Appropriate Due.

But, there isn't anything Outstanding here and it's kind of Pedestrian and the Ending is "Out to Lunch" at a Diner, Eating Beans. However, Fans of Bennett and Early Talking Cinema might Want to Check this one out. Just Don't Expect any Great Shakes. Pass the Ketchup.

Constance Bennett stars with Neil Hamilton in "Two Against the World," a precode film from 1932. When a compact is found left on a bed, it just has to be precode.

Bennett plays Dell Hamilton, a beautiful socialite who falls for an attorney (Hamilton). This leads to problems when she tries to protect her family and winds up on the witness stand, with Hamilton on the side of the prosecution.

Decent drama, melodramatic as was the style, with Bennett looking dazzling in a variety of '30s outfits. She gives a lively performance -- flirtatious, charming, and warmhearted. Hamilton is solid and an unlikely candidate as a romantic lead. Thirty-plus years later, he would play Commissioner Gordon on "Batman." I always love watching Constance Bennett in films, and this one was no exception.

While Carole Lombard would perfect the dizzy-socialite-gets-social-conscience shtick four years later in "My Man Godfrey," the sadly under-appreciated Constance Bennett does the genre fine in this film. She's matched with a surprisingly effective Neil Hamilton, probably best known to the world as Police Commissioner Gordon, from the "Batman" television series. Both give natural and believable (within the scope of the story) performances.

The payoff verdict will leave you unconvinced (and modern trial lawyers convulsed with laughter), but on the whole the movie is worth watching. Watch for it on Turner Classic Movies.

Two Against the World (1932)

** 1/2 (out of 4)

Rich socialite Adele Hamilton (Constance Bennett) begins dating an honest lawyer (Neil Hamilton) but soon she's mixed up in a murder, which her brother committed. Trying to shield her brother, everything goes as planned until the lawyer becomes the prosecutor on the case. TWO AGAINST THE WORLD is a fairly entertaining courtroom drama that's certainly far-fetched but the performances make it worth sitting through. Obviously, it would be nearly impossible for the lawyer to have to go up against a woman he's been dating and seen with socially but we'll just pretend that doesn't matter. What works the best with this film is that Bennett gives an extremely good and believable performance as the rich woman who is constantly just in the wrong place at the wrong time. I liked how the screenplay made her a very strong woman who believed in doing what it takes to protect those around her and I really enjoyed the final showdown in the courtroom. Again, it's far-fetched but the charm and toughness of Bennett really comes across. Hamilton is also very good in his role as the good-hearted lawyer who finds himself in a tough situation. The supporting players include nice performances from Roscoe Karns, Galvin Gordon and Helen Vinson. Director Archie Mayo could handle this type of film in his sleep so obviously he has no problem keeping it going at a very good pace. At just 70-minutes the film never seems too long and instead it flows at a good pace.