This film was recently shown on TCM as part of a series of Jack Holt films. This is a great thing about TCM, in that it allows, by seeing several films in a row featuring a particular actor, to really get a good feel for the range of the actor, and to help you determine how much you might like that actor; and, happily, on Jack Holt day, I have found another very likable and interesting actor to look forward to seeing in other films. This is a sleeper of a great film; the scenes between Jack and Jean Arthur are genuinely touching, especially the recognition scene, which is beautifully underplayed; they truly complement each other's style. Some of the other reviews are mildly critical of some of the dated dialogue, but I have always found that to be part of the charm of old films. I don't need "realistic" dialogue; that is already a part of everyday life. Alan Jenkins is funny as always, but Jack's acting, traveling back and forth between toughness and tenderness, is lovely.
Review of Whirlpool
