Lively, entertaining reviews of, and essays on, old and newer films and everything relating to them, written by professional author William Schoell.

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

STRANDED


STRANDED (1935). Director: Frank Borzage.

Lynn Palmer (Kay Francis) has dedicated her life to helping people via the Traveler's Aid Society. Back into her life comes an old school chum, Mack Hale (George Brent, pictured), who's building a bridge and dealing with hoods who want him to pay protection money. Mack is a practical, somewhat cold-blooded guy who thinks Lynn is a fool to care for losers who can't care for themselves (even though he hires a young man who came to her for help). As their relationship hits a personal crisis -- Lynn tells him that she won't give up her job after they've married -- things at Mac's job get worse. The hoods manage to get some of the workers drunk, which leads to a disturbing, indeed horrifying, scene, when one of the drunk men falls dozens of stories to his death. (In fact, that's about all you can think about until the end of the movie.) Things are resolved a bit too quickly -- that's Hollywood -- but Stranded is an engrossing picture featuring two excellent lead performances. Lynn Palmer is a fascinating, likable, independent female characterization and is is very well portrayed by Francis in one of her most notable performances. Donald Woods, Frankie Darro, Barton MacLane, Ann Shoemaker, and other fine character actors also give fine support.

Verdict: Very interesting drama. ***.

6 comments:

Craig Clarke said...

Nice write-up of a classic Kay Francis picture. I like your site. Keep up the good work spreading the word on classic film.

William said...

Many thanks for the kind words. Glad to hear from another Kay Francis admirer. And your Kay Francis site is terrific! I'm adding it to my blogroll (thanks for addding my site).

Best, William

Craig Clarke said...

You're welcome, and many thanks for your own kind words (and link). I look forward to visiting your archives.

Laura said...

I also saw this film a few days ago and enjoyed it very much; I briefly blogged my thoughts, if you're interested:

STRANDED

That "fall" scene really was disturbing!

I discovered your site via the Kay Francis Film Festival site. Like Craig, I will be checking out your archives. :)

Best wishes,
Laura

William said...

Thanks for your comment, Laura. Yeah, I can still hear the screams of that poor guy as he fell. I enjoyed your comments on Stranded, as well, and will add your blog to my blog roll. It looks as if the comparatively forgotten Kay Francis(compared to Davis, Crawford, Hepburn etc.) is being rediscovered by many.

Laura said...

Thanks very much for blogrolling me, it's appreciated. I will be updating mine soon and plan to include yours. I have enjoyed going through your reviews.

I was interested in your blogroll link to a Lawrence Quirk related site as I have many of his books. I just obtained copies of his Citadel titles on Robert Taylor and Fredric March which I had missed out on when they were first published.

Best wishes,
Laura