Une belle blonde

SUZY (Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, 1936), directed by George Fitzmaurice, stars Jean Harlow in the title role not taken from some comic strip character nor anything from a children's story, but one taken from a novel by Herbert Gorman set during the Great War. Stressing more on melodrama than comedy, it's a mix of romance, espionage and war related theme with aerial battles thrown in.

As for the story, Suzy Q, actually Suzy Trent (Jean Harlow), whose philosophy being "blondes never go broke," happens to be an American chorus girl stranded in England. Upon completion in the final performance of "Melodies of 1914," Maisie (Inez Courtney), Suzy's closest her friend, invites her to come with her to Paris, but prefers staying in England hoping to meet some millionaire. She thinks she's met one during a foggy evening after getting nearly run over by a Rolls Royce driven by Knobby (David Clyde), with Terry Moore (Franchot Tone), in the back seat. Making amends for the near accident, Terry takes Suzy home and arranges meeting her again the next day. Hearing the honking sound of his car, she sees Terry awaiting for her in a jeep. Learning the Rolls Royce from the night before was actually borrowed, she also finds Terry is not rich but only an stabilizer inventor working at Schmidt and Company, an engineering firm owned by Mrs. Schmidt (Greta Meyer). Announcing plans on returning to New York, Terry, not wanting to lose Suzy, proposes. After getting married, Terry takes his new bride to the factory showing off his accomplishments. As they embrace, Suzy notices a mysterious woman, with face half covered, approaching from behind Terry, shoots him and disappears. As the sounds of police sirens come nearer, Suzy, afraid of being blamed, runs away, heading for Paris at the very moment the war has started. Maisie gets Suzy a job singing at the Cafe De Anges where she encounters Andre Charville (Cary Grant), a French aviator whom she soon marries. While away at war, Suzy remains at the estate of Andre's father (Lewis Stone), who grows fond of her, but keeps secret of his son's infidelity. When Suzy visits the wounded Andre in the hospital, she encounters his friend, Captain Terry Moore, very much alive. Accusing her as a title-hunter, regardless of her explanations, Terry wants nothing to do with her. About to confess her past to Andre, Suzy catches him in a romantic embrace with Madame Diane Eyrelle (Benita Hume), his mistress who happens to be the woman who shot Terry.

Returning Harlow to World War setting for the first time since her breakthrough performance in HELL'S ANGELS (United Artists, 1930), she's come a long way since then, from self-sufficient, tough talking, immoral and/or sometimes conniving young blondes. Harlow's Suzy comes across as softer, kinder, considerate and most of all, loyal, particularly to her two husbands. During those 94 minutes, Suzy acquires fast relationships before marrying, two weeks with love with Terry (Tone); and five hour courtship with Andre (Grant) following an air raid. The screenplay divides the two in half hour intervals before uniting the trio for its final portion of the story. Cary Grant, third billed in his MGM debut, is surprisingly more secondary performance than Tone. Not quite Academy Award winning material, SUZY did earn a nomination for best song. Not quite "If You Knew Susie," but a new one, "Did I Remember?" by Walter Donaldson and Harold Adamson. Vocalized twice by the dubbed Harlow, first at a cabaret, reprized by Grant, surprisingly effective using his own voice, and once more by Harlow in sentimental form while playing the piano at her father-in-law's home.

Contrived story is basically helped along by with the moral support of her male co-stars. British born Cary Grant seems surprisingly miscast as a French aviator, though fortunately never attempts a French accent, neither does Lewis Stone looking more British with his white mustache than French, if his role required him to be French. Grant's byplay with Harlow during their courtship is quite amusing, almost to a point of becoming a comedy. Although Tone might have assumed the French ace role instead, he might not been able to put off the humor as convincing not believable playing the unfaithful husband. Harlow, better known for comedy, does what she could as a serious actress. She's not so convincing with her outburst to her two men as the female spy (Hume) enters the room, "There she is. She's the one that shot him." Another drawback for Harlow is having her gowned in modern head-dress and costumes for a story set in and after 1914. Inez Courtney as the comedic friend disappears early while Una O'Connor as Mrs. Bradley, the kindly landlady of the boarding house, makes the most of what she's given. Stanley Morner, better known as Dennis Morgan, can be glimpsed briefly as one of the soldiers at the cabaret.

The stranded show-girl loved by two men theme must have been the inspiration for one called MAISIE (1939) that soon prospered into a film series starring another MGM blonde, Ann Sothern, As with both characters in a line summed up in SUZY, "there's no end to your loyalty." Maisie was loyal, too.

SUZY, distributed to home video in the 1990s, should be acceptable viewing for Harlow fans whenever it turns up on Turner Classic Movies. (**1/2)

The main attraction of 'Suzy' for me was the cast, namely Jean Harlow (a very charming actress who died far too young with so much more to give) and Cary Grant (have always loved him, both in comedy and drama). The story also sounded interesting, though there was the worry from the sounds of it of whether it would try to do too much, and my love for classic film, and film in general of all genres and decades, played a big factor further.

'Suzy' turned out to be a worthwhile film with a lot working in its favour, the cast being one of the main assets. It is uneven and there are a few knocks against it (story-related mainly, am not going to go into the whole lack of authenticity in the accents, decided to suspend my disbelief on that one and judged the actors by their overall performance). But generally 'Suzy' is a film deserving of more credit than it gets. It was the only feature film pairing of Harlow and Grant, and judging from their work and chemistry one does wish they did more films together.

As said, 'Suzy' is not perfect in the story. Do think it tries to do too much in balancing too many tones that it left some confused spots. The start is on the slow side.

More problematic was, as has been said, the too coincidence heavy and sometimes silly third act.

However, 'Suzy' is nicely photographed and the outtakes from 'Hell's Angel' that formed the flying sequences were exciting and didn't look cheap or stock. The music fits well and the film is directed with good balance and control. The song "Did I Remember" is one of the film's highlights. The script provokes thought and both entertains and intrigues.

Likewise with the story, which comes to life once the action gets to Paris and has fun and tension, as well as a solid pace. The tension and pathos of the character chemistry, romantic or not, really elevates the film, as does the surprisingly well rounded characters. Characters that are all round beautifully played, as said decided to ignore the accents. With accents it for me is always less forgivable when the rest of the performance isn't good. Harlow is her usual charming self and Grant is surprisingly comfortable and credible as an amoral cad (the complete opposite of his usual roles). Franchot Tone has fun in his role and Lewis Stone brings moving, understated dignity to his.

In conclusion, pretty good. 7/10 Bethany Cox

In London, sexy blonde American chorus girl Jean Harlow (as Suzy Trent) has trouble finding work and paying the rent. Producers balk when Ms. Harlow refuses to trade sexual favors. Hoping to change her fortunes, Harlow resolves to marry a wealthy Count and walks into a moving Rolls Royce. Charming Irish inhabitant Franchot Tone (as Terry Moore) turns out not to be the vehicle's owner, but offers Harlow a place to live, with no strings attached. He's a promising inventor and seems devoted, so they tie the knot. Neither know it, but Mr. Tone's workplace ("Schmidt & Co") is, apparently, a front for German spies. After a frightening incident, Harlow relocates to Paris. The Great War (WW I) breaks out and French playboy pilot Cary Grant (as Andre Charville) joins the cast...

There is more care in having Harlow look attractive than authentically from the year 1914, and the automobile she walks into looks like a 1930s model. You'll also have to check your brain at the door a couple of times during the plot. Harlow gets two A-list leading men, as well as good support from stalwart Lewis Stone and duplicitous Benita Hume. The dubbed song "Did I Remember?" became a contemporary hit. Recalling her memorable "Dinner at Eight" (1933) exchange with Marie Dressler, Harlow is given the comic line, "Been reading a book," and disrobes early in the running time. Reportedly, the popular box office star wanted to move away from the sexpot roles and "Suzy" appears to be a compromise. Harlow is so vivacious and appealing in this neatly-produced melodrama; it's difficult to believe she would soon pass away, from kidney disease. MGM and director George Fitzmaurice showcase their star well.

****** Suzy (6/26/36) George Fitzmaurice ~ Jean Harlow, Franchot Tone, Cary Grant, Lewis Stone

What a loss to films when Jean Harlow died. She was so immensely likable, with a wonderful vulnerability. In "Suzy," she marries one man (Franchot Tone) in London, believes him dead and fears she'll be arrested for his murder, runs to Paris, and ends up married to a pilot (Cary Grant).

The story was interesting, enjoyable, and poignant, but a little confusing. I sat through the entire film saying to myself, "Why did France go to war in 1936?" I knew it was supposed to be World War I - sort of - but only because 1936 made no sense at all. The clothing, however, was very '30s.

Cary Grant plays his part of a war hero and bounder very well. The sweetest scenes were between Harlow and Lewis Stone, who plays Grant's ill father.

The final scenes were exciting, with a lot of airplane footage from "Hell's Angels." Virginia Verrill dubbed Harlow's singing, and I assume Grant did his own. Interesting how people in those days sang with that very rapid vibrato.

first, to comment on the other comment - I think Franchot Tone's Irish accent was entertainment enough, without Cary attempting a French one!

Anyway, I really enjoyed this film. There's no amazing, original plot and the acting is a little clunky in places, but its all done with such enthusiasm you can't help but love it!

It starts out quite formulaic - showgirl seeks rich husband, finds fake rich man etc - but the leads are so gorgeous you go with it, and then the plot takes a turn (not too subtle, but thats OK).

Once we follow our heroine to Paris, and meet Cary, it really picks up, and there's another clichéd whirlwind romance, followed by call up.

To say more would spoil the plot (though you'll spot every 'twist' a mile off anyway) but its just 'a rollicking good ride', with 3 excellent stars, and a fun script.

Just sit back and enjoy!