Brief Moment

Carole Lombard wanted to get out of her next project at Paramount, "A Girl Without a Room" and so went to Harry Cohen at Columbia and asked him to find her something better. He came up with this respectable play by S.N. Behrman. The two main characters, Abby and Rodney, are very ably and sympathetically portrayed, and this saves the picture. On the other hand, Gene Raymond's "best friend" in the picture, Sig, played by Monroe Owsley is a perfect devil, tempting Rodney at every opportunity to ignore his wife and instead spend his nights drinking and his days at the race track. Sig is the personification of evil because he actually doesn't know any other reality that the one he's living sponging off his rich friend, Rodney. Carole on the other hand recognizes the potential in Rodney and does everything in her power to save him.

This film is interesting and enjoyable light soap opera fair. At one point when Carole's character almost looses her composure in front of Rodney's father, the viewer is ready to applaud the explosion, but alas the moment passes. This film could have been well served by a little more action and violent emotion. Perhap's the problem stems from the rather static direction of director David Burton. This is also the first film of Carole's to benefit from the cinematography talents of Ted Tetzlaff. He was able to light Carole in such a way that removed that certain hardness from her face evident in earlier pictures.

On top of being a huge fan of classic film for goodness knows how long, my main reason for seeing 'Brief Moment' was Carole Lombard. A lovely and always well worth watching actress who died tragically, in one of the worst and most tragic ways to die, far too young with so much more to give. It is always interesting too to see older drama films, whether romantic or melodrama, and those dealing with society/class differences.

'Brief Moment' may not be my definition of a great film and some film-goers today may find a fair deal to criticise it. It however was a very pleasant film that kept me most of the time engaged and entertained, a nice way to pass the time. One of those films that does a lot right but one does wish there could have been more. Just be prepared that there is very little challenging here (which for some actually is a good thing) and one should not demand too much.

It is perhaps unexceptional from a story standpoint, it's pretty thin and sometimes it lacks momentum from moments of static direction and where it feels like a stage play that doesn't always properly open up.

Excepting Monroe Owsley, wringing every ounce of juice out of the most interesting supporting character in the film, the supporting cast are a little bland in fairly sketchy roles. It also feels far too short.

Visually on the other hand, 'Brief Moment' looks beautiful. The cinematography clearly loved Lombard, who looks absolutely radiant in the film, and it is very elegantly produced. "Say What You Mean..." is a lovely heartfelt song that does provide heart. While with little challenging and a little safe at times, the script has wit and class with thought-providing and well-meaning moments.

The story may not be exceptional, but it is amiable, engaging and at least clearly knew what it wanted to be and who to aim it at. Owsley is great fun, but it's the leads that 'Brief Moment' is worth seeing for. Especially Lombard, by far the best thing about the film, a very classy and sensitive performance and one cannot take their eyes off her. Gene Raymond is a likeable leading man and their chemistry makes one believe in their love.

Summing up, a very pleasant watch. 7/10 Bethany Cox

Gene Raymond and Carole Lombard, both 25, star in one of the abundant upper crust society pictures made in the early 1930s. Raymond is Rodney Deane, and brings singer Abbey Fane (Lombard) home to meet the family. Abbey is quite cordial to Deane's family, but they are less than enthusiastic to meet her, and things go downhill from there. Lombard had been in films, silents & talkies, for 10 years already, so she is a little more polished here. No real surprises in this one; they needed a comical sidekick, like Edward Everett Horton, or Eric Blore to spice things up. In this one, Abbey does have a sidekick "Steve" (Arthur Hohl) , but he has a small, bland part. She would also make Lady by Choice with Hohl, and Mr. & Mrs. Smith with G. Raymond. A pleasant little film, all neatly wrapped up in an hour & 10 minutes. The film production code must have kicked in already at Columbia Pictures, since it is scrubbed clean of any naughty lines or double entendres. Lombard even sings a song (as of today, its not listed in the "soundtracks" section yet.. anyone know that song?) Good to see performances by Lombard and Raymond, but it is light fluff, and the actors weren't challenged.

Brief Moment stars Carole Lombard and in this film she is gets married to wealthy Gene Raymond who has a nice arrangement with his father Reginald Mason and brother Donald Cook. Dad makes the money and the two of them spend it. Lombard is a nightclub singer who falls for Raymond, but tries to reform him.

Back in the day a character like Raymond was called a wastrel. It's a 19th century word I wish would come back into common usage describing someone who just wants to have a good time and nothing else. They also are wealthy enough to see it works out that way.

During a time when a quarter of the country was out of work such people were really looked down on. Lombard thinks Raymond has abilities but he won't use them. The crux of the story.

One character does stand out that of Monroe Owsley as Raymond's best friend and fellow partygoer. He's a real piece of work.

Brief Moment is a Depression Era story that probably would not work well with a contemporary audience. It's a museum piece of a film.

Typical quick time 'soap opera' churned out by all the studios to fulfill their theater chain commitments. This COLUMBIA PICTURES effort clocks in at 71 minutes and entertains for most of them. Not a classic but well worth watching.

The story is a typical one of the period, working girl played by Carole Lombard (ABBY FANE) falls in love and marries upper crust scion. Being in 'show business' she does not meet with approval of her in-laws. The husband played by Gene Raymond (RODNEY DEANE) is a aimless but wealthy drifter heavily under the influence of his friend played by Monroe Owsley (SIG).

ABBY keeps trying to get RODNEY to stand on his own feet and become the man she believes he is. SIG at his parasitical best tries to hold on to a good thing, which means plenty of Booze, Night Clubs and 'Fast Times'! ABBY seeks help from RODNEYs' family to get him on the straight path, but no luck. Usual misunderstandings, separation and then RODNEY has a epiphany realizing ABBY was right all along. Redeems himself and true love triumphs.

Carole Lombard portrays her role with intelligence and sensitivity. Hard to believe this attractive and lithe actress the previous decade was a chubby comedian at MACK SENNETT. Gene Raymond a amiable though limited actor fulfills what is required of him. Monroe Owsley has his parasite gig down to a 'T', making a career of such roles. Though his character of 'SIG' is always in the company of women you get the feeling he swims both ways and his friendship with RODNEY may be more then platonic.