Romance in Manhattan

This delightful work details the struggle of a Czech illegal immigrant, Karel Novak (Francis Lederer), to remain in the United States during the Depression, with a sparkling script limning the cultural impact of New York City upon the newcomer. Stephen Roberts directs with his customary skill in one of his final films (he died shortly after at the age of 40) and avoids both the hyperbolic and hypocritical, particularly significant when we are given the insincerity which marks the current immigration debate with its rough moral equivalence. The Bohemian-born Lederer's strong performance is quite probably his best, with an excellent and witty scenario providing the cast, which includes many of RKO's many contract players, an opportunity to create characterizations that are well-defined. Ginger Rogers nicely portrays Lederer's love interest and there is excellent acting from Sidney Toler and J. Farrell MacDonald as two of a contingent of New York's Finest (all Irish, of course) whose assistance is crucial to the process of bringing the complicated events to a suitable climax. Superlative editing by Jack Hively must be recognized as must the top-flight camera-work of Nick Musuraca, each contributing mightily to a film which should be better known.

I have seen over 2,000 classic films in the last 6 years, and somehow I let this one slip by me. It is rare that I uncover a new classic film favorite, but I did with this film.

"Romance in Manhattan" works so well thanks to the wonderful performances by Ginger Rogers and especially Francis Lederer. I would have loved to see him hit stardom, but he had a long career and lived 100 years despite not becoming a household name. Lederer is so charismatic and handsome in this film with such an exuberant spirit. A young Ginger Rogers is lovely, has great chemistry with Lederer, and is a loving sister.

There are two subplots, but this is mostly about a man coming to America to live the "American Dream" which he does while finding romance along with it. If that appeals to you, then I highly recommend this delightful little gem.

A couple of funny comments and one humorous scene at the end do not a comedy make. Especially when it has so many elements of drama - an illegal immigrant escaping, jobless and hungry people, a city strike and some violence, a villainous lawyer, school truancy, and placement in an orphanage. No, "Romance in Manhattan" is not a comedy romance, but a drama with romance. And not so much romance, as respectful love. The sacrificial kind, as well.

Francis Lederer stars as Karel Novak, an immigrant from Czechoslovakia who must be returned to Europe because he didn't have the increased amount of money for immigration. It had jumped from $50 to $200. Distraught and knowing the hardship and time it would take to raise the money working in Europe, he jumps ship as it's leaving New York.

The rest of this film is the story of an immigrant trying to make it in the U.S. And, perhaps typical of European immigrants who had such positive outlooks and attitudes when coming to America. Only those who had endured the struggles most of them had in their home lands could comprehend their joy and happiness even with hardships in America.

Novak meets Sylvia Dennis (played by Ginger Rogers), who is herself struggling and trying to make it as an actress. She is just 19 and has been taking care of a younger brother, Frank, who is around 12. This is a good story about decency among people, hard work, sacrifice and friendship. It also shows some hard sides of humanity - a glimpse of violence from a labor strike, and a shyster lawyer. The New York City police are seen in a good light as compassionate as well as sticking to duty. J. Farrell MacDonald, as Officer Murphy, befriends Karel, Sylvia and Frank. Perhaps the experience of many Irish facing antagonism when immigrating to the U.S. tempered Murphy and some others.

Anyway goodness and kindness win out in the end. This is a good film that portrays an aspect of American life that was common for many people in the early decades of the 20th century. Younger audiences well into the 21st century who aren't inclined toward history will likely be bored.

Here are a couple of favorite lines from the film.

Karel Novak, "This house is so elegant. You have carpet, really." Sylvia Dennis, "Yes, and cockroaches too." Novak, "Cockroaches! Isn't it wonderful."

Sylvia Dennis, "Frank, did you ever stop to think what a wonderful place New York is?" Frank Dennis, "Sure - ain't we got the Giants and the Yanks?"

Ginger Rogers and Francis Lederer have "Romance in Manhattan" in this 1935 film directed by Stephen Roberts. The movie also features Jimmy Butler, Sidney Toler, and Donald Meek.

The handsome Lederer plays Karel Novak, an immigrant to the U.S. who is sent back as soon as he arrives because he doesn't have the required $200. He thought he only needed $50. On the return ship to his native Czechoslovakia, he jumps ship, but loses his wallet in the process. Fortunately he meets a chorus girl, Sylvia, when he's trying to steal food. He winds up sleeping on the roof of the apartment building where Sylvia lives with her brother Frankie (Butler). Frankie helps Karel get a job delivering newspapers. Later on, Karel becomes a cab driver, all with the goal of earning the necessary $200 so he can stay in America.

What a wonderful movie, very heartwarming, with fine performances, especially by Lederer. Irving Thalberg intended to make Lederer a huge star in the U.S., but he died, and it didn't happen. Nevertheless, the European star made some fine films both in Europe and here, moved into television, started an acting school, and taught acting until he died at age 100. When he worked with Louise Brooks in Die Büchse der Pandora in 1929, he knew no English, and Brooks knew no German. Here he gives a witty, charming and sincere performance as Karel.

Ginger Rogers looks beautiful as Sylvia - she was 24 - and gives an excellent performance, sharing good chemistry with both Lederer and Butler.

Very sweet film, well directed, not cloying or overly sentimental. Loved it.

I love this little movie. Ginger Rogers is at her best here -- sweet, engaging, human -- and Francis Lederer is perfect as the illegal alien with a huge heart. As a Ginger Rogers film, this ranks right up there with Primrose Path and Roberta in my Hall of Favorites. Romance in Manhattan creates a mythopoeic USA that triumphs over Depression era America through a large dose of Hope. Folks in 1935 probably needed a film like this, but I think it works well to mute the horrors of 2020 also. See it.