Sin Takes a Holiday

Today, I discovered Basil Rathbone. Yes, I know he's been around, I'm familiar with the Sherlock Holmes series...but, today I saw him in a new light thanks to TCM and 24 hours of his films. His elegance, dark beauty and subtle sexuality struck a chord in me today. Sin Takes A Holiday is a delightful film. Categorized as a drama, in the beginning we are led to believe it will be light and airy, however, as we are drawn to the characters, such as Constance Bennett's seemingly light facade and Kenneth MacKenna's and Rathbonne's dawning realizations...the underlying moral dilemma of the situation awakens a timeless knowledge in all of us.

Lightweight froth featuring an early role for Basil Rathbone as a playboy who falls for newlywed Constance Bennett after learning that her marriage to businessman Kenneth MacKenna is a sham. Rathbone's ok, but, outside of the Sherlock Holmes movies, it's strange to watch him behaving reasonably honourably. Bennett looks a knockout, even when she's supposed to be dowdy.

SIN TAKES A HOLIDAY is the story of a divorce lawyer who comes up with the idea of having a wife in name only for his convenience. In other words, because he has a wife, it's a lot easier to rebuff the advances of his lonely female clients. He asks his faithful secretary (Constance Bennett) and at first she refuses. Part of this is obvious to the viewer--she secretly loves this lawyer. But when he behaves boorishly towards her, she decides to take him up on it because she can travel and have anything she wants...except her boss.

Unfortunately, there are two major problems with the film. The story has been done many times before in various forms and is very predictable. The other problem is that the "dramatic transformation" of Miss Bennett from a dowdy secretary to a ravishing socialite is just too unbelievable. She looks pretty much the same in both roles other than the clothes. But, like when Clark Kent removes his glasses, you are expected to believe in this miraculous change--it just isn't that miraculous as Bennett just isn't that desirable or different.

Overall, an interesting film where the actors try their best--it's just that the material isn't that interesting and is a disappointment in light of the salacious title! It's a pleasant romantic time-passer and that's about all.

This pre-Code comedy is more interesting for its decor and reflection of the morals of the day than for its acting or story. The plot revolves around three characters, each in love with the one who isn't in love with her or him. Things work out in a way--two characters find each other and the third is left to move on. All this happens in an atmosphere of wealth, where amoral dalliance is both expected and titillating. An unfortunate effect is that the three characters come off as facile and, ultimately, unlikeable, the comedic talents of Bennett and the imposing presence of Rathbone notwithstanding. Despite the dismissal of a group of morally repugnant friends at the end, I didn't believe in the couple's future happiness--nor in the morally bankrupt world they inhabit and seem to enjoy. And I felt sorry for the one left out. He seemed the only character with a conscience. The always delightful presence of Zazu Pitts should be noted, though she plays a small role in the plot development. Enjoy this film for the marvelously fantastic Art Deco sets and wonderful period gowns. But ultimately, the resolution of the plot leaves one unsatisfied.

Not sure what to call this oldie, but I guess drawing-room comedy might answer the mail. The plot centers around a rather interesting or curious love triangle. Girl marries Boy 1, arguably for the wrong reasons. Due to the unique nature of their union, she sets sail for Europe and encounters Boy 2, who, of course, knows Boy 1. On the Continent, Boy 2 becomes quite taken by her. What's a girl to do? Well, to give away the ending would not be nice, so suffice it to say it all gets resolved back in New York, though the ending might not please all viewers. Constance Bennett gets lead billing, but I was much more entertained by the performance of Basil Rathbone, who is just grand. Considering that the film probably takes place at the onset of the Depression, the lifestyles depicted are quite startling.

All in all, a rather delightful film.