Copyright 9 March 1934 by 20th Century Pictures Inc. Presented by Joseph M. Schenck. Released through United Artists: 29 March 1934. New York opening at the Rivoli: 11 April 1934. U.K. release: 20 October 1934. Australian release: 7 November 1934. 8 reels. 80 minutes.
SYNOPSIS: Hardbitten telephone linesman has an off and on romance with his girlfriend because he suspects her boss is a crook.
COMMENT: Producer Darryl F. Zanuck was certainly looking for trouble when he brought Wild Bill Wellman and Spencer Tracy together. The two men took an instant dislike to each other, a dislike that quickly bloomed into such a mutual hatred that the two men came to blows both on and off the set. The feud continued even after the movie wrapped until Wellman gave Tracy a black eye during a fight at the Trocadero on 4 December 1935. The movie itself is an entry in the popular hero-has-a-comic-sidekick brigade, although I found Mr Oakie's frequent bouts of deliberately forced comedy wearisome rather than entertaining. Fortunately, the movie captures more thrills than laughs even though the action is considerably delayed by a lot of romantic squabbling which we all know is going to come to nought. Whilst definitely below his usual standard, Tracy's performance rates as acceptable enough. He allowed Jack Oakie, Judith Wood and Paul Harvey to steal scenes, but drew level with Constance Cummings (who was cast in a lack-luster role as Tracy's on again off again girlfriend). Understandably, Wellman's direction lacks his usual drive, though he does come good in the two climactic action scenes.
SYNOPSIS: Hardbitten telephone linesman has an off and on romance with his girlfriend because he suspects her boss is a crook.
COMMENT: Producer Darryl F. Zanuck was certainly looking for trouble when he brought Wild Bill Wellman and Spencer Tracy together. The two men took an instant dislike to each other, a dislike that quickly bloomed into such a mutual hatred that the two men came to blows both on and off the set. The feud continued even after the movie wrapped until Wellman gave Tracy a black eye during a fight at the Trocadero on 4 December 1935. The movie itself is an entry in the popular hero-has-a-comic-sidekick brigade, although I found Mr Oakie's frequent bouts of deliberately forced comedy wearisome rather than entertaining. Fortunately, the movie captures more thrills than laughs even though the action is considerably delayed by a lot of romantic squabbling which we all know is going to come to nought. Whilst definitely below his usual standard, Tracy's performance rates as acceptable enough. He allowed Jack Oakie, Judith Wood and Paul Harvey to steal scenes, but drew level with Constance Cummings (who was cast in a lack-luster role as Tracy's on again off again girlfriend). Understandably, Wellman's direction lacks his usual drive, though he does come good in the two climactic action scenes.