Although the first seven players in the credits of The Night of June 13th (1932) are prominently displayed on the movie's one-sheet poster, the eighth player, oddly, is not.
I say "oddly" because the eighth player is actually the star of the movie. He not only has by far the largest role, but the most important. He concerts all the action from go to whoa. His name: Charley Grapewin.
By contrast, Clive Brook, billed as the number one star, has very little to say for himself, even when he's accused of murdering his wife. His thunder is easily stolen by Mary Boland, Charlie Ruggles and even Arthur Hohl. The girls, led by Frances Dee, Lila Lee and Adrianne Allen are of top interest too.
Stephen Roberts, who handled The Story of Temple Drake rather well, here reverts to his usual slack directorial style. As a result, despite all the fine acting on display, the movie makes little more than a middling or mediocre impression. Admittedly, a much stronger player was needed in the Clive Brook role.
I say "oddly" because the eighth player is actually the star of the movie. He not only has by far the largest role, but the most important. He concerts all the action from go to whoa. His name: Charley Grapewin.
By contrast, Clive Brook, billed as the number one star, has very little to say for himself, even when he's accused of murdering his wife. His thunder is easily stolen by Mary Boland, Charlie Ruggles and even Arthur Hohl. The girls, led by Frances Dee, Lila Lee and Adrianne Allen are of top interest too.
Stephen Roberts, who handled The Story of Temple Drake rather well, here reverts to his usual slack directorial style. As a result, despite all the fine acting on display, the movie makes little more than a middling or mediocre impression. Admittedly, a much stronger player was needed in the Clive Brook role.