Strictly Dishonorable

Although co-written by Preston Sturges this one seems to have a bit of the Lubitsch touch in it and it's quite odd considering it's a Laemmle era Universal film. Isabel (Sidney Fox) and Henry (George Meeker) are an engaged couple. Isabel is a Southerner, Henry hails from New Jersey. Besides the country mouse/city mouse differences between them, Henry is completely unlikeable and thinks the worst of everyone. Apparently he was nice to Isabel until the engagement ring went on and then he changed. When asked about it he tells her "well you didn't expect me to stay all sappy forever did you?" He tells Isabel to stop thinking and leave her happiness to him, is very disrespectful of her, and is always trying to pick a fight with someone.

They stop in for a drink at a speakeasy full of characters, and here is where the trouble starts. When Henry goes outside of the bar to deal with his illegally parked car, Isabel makes the acquaintance of the dashing opera singer Count Gus Di Ruvo (Paul Lukas), and it is lust at first sight. George returns, makes some insulting remarks and then demands to Isabel, she calls off the engagement, and Henry storms out. Isabel and the Count take the opportunity to go off to the Count's apartment upstairs. Incredulous that Isabel would ever do anything on her own, Henry enlists the help of the police to round up the scoundrels who must have kidnapped her.

Now Isabel knows the Count's intentions are "strictly dishonorable" - he's quite upfront about his lady's man status - yet she's considering sleeping with him. When the Count discovers Isabel is a virgin, his demeanor changes completely. Back in the days of chivalry, most guys - honorable ones - don't mind being a casual second but are queasy about being a casual "first". He tramps upstairs to sleep at the judge's apartment. The Count acts quite horrid to Isabel, and you can't tell if it is because he is awestruck or horrified because he has finally almost gotten involved with an actual virgin.

This leaves Isabel in quite a fix. She's already said she can't go back to Mississippi because of the gossip it would cause, Henry has gotten on her last nerve even if he should choose to return, and now the Count has run out on her. How will all of this work out? Watch and find out.

For some reason MGM loaned Lewis Stone out to Universal to play the part of a drunken judge who tries to prevent Isabel from taking a false step by staging all kinds of interruptions for the couple, and in the process he almost steals the show. An odd but amusing turn for an actor who ten years later will be known far and wide as the sober Judge Hardy of the Andy Hardy films. Sidney Toler, who later plays Charlie Chan, here plays an Irish cop who has no problem with the speakeasy that the cast is patronizing, and in fact seems pretty friendly with all concerned.

This film is a bit stagy and static, which is understandable given that it is based on a play, but it is worth sticking with it for the witty dialogue and the rather clever although partially expected denouement. A very worthy early talkie with a fine cast.

Perhaps "Strictly Dishonorable" played well back in 1931, but today it's a very boring talk-fest--and about as enjoyable as having a migraine. If you do watch it, don't say I didn't warn you! The film begins with a dopey couple (he from New Jersey, she from Mississippi) who seem to have nothing in common. In fact, soon after they arrive, she starts flirting with a real Lothario (Paul Lukas) and he stomps off to sulk. In the meantime, an ex-judge (Lewis Stone) takes it on his own to try to save her from this playboy's advances, though she CLEARLY knows his intentions are strictly dishonorable.

This was originally a stage production written by Preston Sturges. However, despite him being a highly respected writer, here his work just seems VERY dated. It also looks just like a play put directly on the screen--with little action and LOTS of talk, talk, talk. In fact, it's such a talk-fest that I honestly have rarely ever felt this bored by a film. Occasionally hammy acting didn't help any. Overall, I can't even think of a reason to watch this film--it's bad but not in a funny or ridiculous way...it's just BAD!

There is no need to go on and on about this film. The plot is pretty simple and I don't even want to spoil that. Trust me in saying the film is funny, has great characters, and both Fox and Lukas work well together.

I do not know Sidney Fox's career but after seeing this, I look forward to more viewings of her. She has a Southern accent in this film, and I am not sure if it is for the part, or that was just her. Unfortunately she only had a career from 1931 to 1935. She deserved more recognition.

The story moves smoothly. You will recognize Lewis Stone, who later was known as "Judge Hardy". He plays a judge in this film too.

I found myself laughing out loud at certain situations and lines. Lewis Stone is called a "barfly" in one scene and his reaction to this characterization is hilarious. They just don't make "fun" movies like this any more.

Check it out. It is a piece of fun fluff but it is still a Classy Classic to be enjoyed.

A near-verbatim filming of Preston Sturges' 1929 Broadway hit, this is a surprisingly assured and technically polished film for one made just a couple of years into the sound era. Paul Lukas is a perfect Gus, and Sidney Fox makes a wonderfully sexy southern minx. Lewis Stone's turn as a (somewhat) drunken Judge is particularly fun for those who know him mainly as that paragon of sobriety, Judge Hardy. Though it lacks the genius of Surges' self-directed screenplays, this one is charming and human, and a must for the serious Sturges fan -- though it's not easy to find (I saw a rare screening last fall at the L.A. County Museum of Art).

Preston Sturges' hit sex comedy of 1929 was filmed by Universal almost entirely intact, with an A cast and direction by the proficient but apparently not-very-nice John Stahl. It poses the question, will Southern belle Isabelle (Sidney Fox, who's charming) opt for life in West Orange with her obnoxious fiancé (George Meeker, quite good), or will she succumb to the ministrations of handsome Lothario opera singer Gus (Paul Lukas, perfect casting)? It's a situation not unlike "The Moon Is Blue," so scandalously filmed some 20 years later, and its frankness about virginity and conventional morality is refreshing. There's also Lewis Stone as a tippling judge, livelier than he often was at MGM, and Sidney Toler, almost unrecognizably handsome as an Irish cop. You have to accept the prejudices and skewed morality of the time--there's casually racist chatter, and drunkenness in and of itself is supposed to be hilarious--but it's a delightful artifact. And while Sturges' incomparable gift for dialog isn't in full flower yet, you can see the genius he's going to become.