Let's Try Again

The forgettable Broadway play "Sour Grapes" about a troubled American man and wife who talk a lot about the rocky state of their marriage took eight years to reach the screen as "Let's Try Again" and when it did the cast was led by two veddy veddy British actors (Clive Brook and Diana Wynyard). Other than the odd effect of their out-of-place accents there is very little to engage the viewer. A half-baked subplot about the husband's relationship with one of his attractive young patients (Helen Vinson) is clumsily added to the original in a failed attempt to make the story more interesting. Other than a few lines of mildly suggestive dialogue, the sexual undertones at the heart of the couple's discord are unexplored, though Irene Hervey in a supporting role looks stunning in a couple of early scenes wearing a form-fitting satiny creation. The film is shot mostly in cramped interiors (a couple of living rooms, a bedroom and a fake looking domestic exterior). "Let's try again" indeed.

I enjoyed this movie very much. It was a period piece and I like period pieces. As a period piece it met my expectations nicely. And even tho scripts from that era didn't reflect the lives of real people that well, the actors showed more depth than I am accustomed to seeing. I don't need to write much about this movie. Just change everything Bill from Minnesota said to positives and that will take care of my review nicely. It is so nice to find 'new' old talent. I shall keep an eye out for the productions that included these people.

Let's Try Again started out life as a mildly successful play in 1926, by Vincent Lawrence. Diane Wynyard and Clive Brook star as husband and wife who are bored and looking for more excitement in life. After various actions and many discussions, they start talking about divorce. With all their ups and downs, will they go through with it? SO much dialog. not particularly clever or fun, it kind of goes on and on. can't really recommend this one. I guess the concept of amicable divorce was still pretty novel at the time. no big deal. can skip this one. nothing fun or un-usual about this one. it's another shortie from RKO, at only 67 minutes. Directed by Worth Miner. apparently, it was the quality of his work, not the quantity. he had expertise in theater long before moving into hollywood films. This one was his first directing project. and only directed two full length films, then moved onto television work.

While viewing this film, I found myself laughing through out the entire picture. Diana Wynyard(Alice Overton),"Gaslight",'40, was married to Clive Brook,(Dr. Jack Overton),"Love in Exile",'36 and this couple seemed to argue and fight all the time, Alice kissed a friend innocently in the garden and all sorts of problems started. Jack Overton decided their marriage after ten years was becoming boring and wanted a divorce. This divorce became off again on again through out the entire picture. The Butler,(Phillips) Arthur Hoyt, "Hail The Conquering Hero",'44 did not know if he was coming or going, bringing luggage out to the car and back again and finally was claimed a hero in possibly saving this marriage. This was definitely a COMEDY and should not be taken seriously at ALL!

Despite the silliness of the plot, the movie is worth a look simply for the 30's set styles. Also of interest is the actors' speech patterns and ridiculous accents ("oh, let's do try again!"). After 1930 when "talkies" came out, actors were required to take diction classes. This movie has all the makings of a "good" film - for its day: "upper class" characters (those silly rich people), beautiful sets (this was The Depression and most Americans had humble homes), and, of course, "sexual tension" (as sexually tense as it could be in 1934).