Saratoga (1937)

Director:

Jack Conway

Writers:

Anita Loos (story) and
Robert E. Hopkins (story) ...

Release Date:

23 July 1937 (USA)

Genre:

Drama | Comedy | Romance

Tagline:

A Tribute and a Triumph that the world demanded to see . . . ! !

Plot:

Carol Clayton is the daughter of a horse breeder at Saratoga. Though engaged to wealthy Hartley Madison...

Plot Keywords:

Horse | Bookie | Horse Race | Millionaire | Real Estate Deed

Cast

Clark Gable	...	Duke Bradley
Jean Harlow	...	Carol Clayton
Lionel Barrymore	...	Grandpa Clayton
Frank Morgan	...	Jesse Kiffmeyer
Walter Pidgeon	...	Hartley Madison
Una Merkel	...	Fritzi
Cliff Edwards	...	Tip
George Zucco	...	Dr. Harmsworth Bierd
Jonathan Hale	...	Frank Clayton
Hattie McDaniel	...	Rosetta (as Hattie McDaniels)
Frankie Darro	...	Dixie Gordon
Henry Stone	...	Hand-Riding Hurley
rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Pat West	...	Horse Owner (scenes deleted)

Runtime:

92 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric Sound System)

Certification:

Australia:G | Finland:K-16 | USA:Approved (PCA #3534)

Filming Locations:

Lexington, Kentucky, USA

Company:

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)

Trivia:

In May of 1937, with the film about 90% completed, Jean Harlow collapsed on the set and died about a week later, reportedly of uremic poisoning. Her remaining scenes were shot with double Mary Dees being filmed only from behind. Paula Winslowe supplied the voice.

Goofs:

Crew or equipment visible: In the opening scene, tire tracks from the camera truck are seen on the horse race track.

Quotes:

Fritzi 'Muggins' Kiffmeyer: Oh, there he is, the sweetheart!
Duke Bradley: Who, your husband?
Fritzi 'Muggins' Kiffmeyer: No, that colt!

Movie Connections:

Featured in Clark Gable: Tall, Dark and Handsome (1996)

Soundtrack:

The Horse with the Dreamy Eyes

Jean Harlow at her finest!

When you watch this film, you are overwhelmed with sadness realizing that Jean Harlow died during production. Adding to that, Jean was never better than she is in this film. First of all, MGM finally found her 'look.' Her make-up is toned down and her platinum blonde hair is now a darker shade. She never looked lovelier. But what really is remarkable is her acting skills. She developed such a natural style and her comic ability was absolutely flawless.

From what I've read, Miss Harlow was liked by all in the industry, and loved by those who were close to her. Dying a such a young age (26), one can only imagine how many more years her career would have flourished.

Almost 65 years have passed since her death and she's still one of Hollywood's greatest stars.