If Paul Muni hadn't said farewell to Hollywood, he undoubtedly would have starred in the touching film An American Romance. He loved putting on disguises, accents, and age makeup in his films, and the protagonist would have required all three. He's an Eastern European who immigrates to America with nothing but a sign around his neck. It's adorable and sad as he wanders the streets penniless, unable to speak to anyone - until John Qualen (you know this character actor's face, but probably not his name) recognizes him on the street. It turns out he's a cousin, and he welcomes him into his home and gets him a job at the same steel factory.
Who's the lucky actor who gets to sink his teeth into this meaty role? Brian Donlevy, and he's fantastic. Handsome in Technicolor and utterly charming with his accent, he gives his finest performance in this film. And it's completely against type for the usual villain. When he learns English, when he falls in love, when he starts a business and takes risks with his lifelong friend Walter Abel - all these moments will win you over and make you clutch your heart with hope.
Some of the sections might feel a little uneven, but there's a reason for it. The director's cut was quite a bit longer, but MGM cut King Vidor's scenes without warning. What remains is still impressive, especially for its time period. There's a very suspenseful and scary scene where Brian has to save himself from a liquid steel leak in the plant; he climbs the walls and hangs on with his fingertips as the audience gasps. There are other incredible sequences about making futuristic cars and airplanes by assembly line. The title implies that the film is a love story, but it's really a "romance" between an immigrant and the land of opportunity. He falls in love with America and exceeds every expectation.
Who's the lucky actor who gets to sink his teeth into this meaty role? Brian Donlevy, and he's fantastic. Handsome in Technicolor and utterly charming with his accent, he gives his finest performance in this film. And it's completely against type for the usual villain. When he learns English, when he falls in love, when he starts a business and takes risks with his lifelong friend Walter Abel - all these moments will win you over and make you clutch your heart with hope.
Some of the sections might feel a little uneven, but there's a reason for it. The director's cut was quite a bit longer, but MGM cut King Vidor's scenes without warning. What remains is still impressive, especially for its time period. There's a very suspenseful and scary scene where Brian has to save himself from a liquid steel leak in the plant; he climbs the walls and hangs on with his fingertips as the audience gasps. There are other incredible sequences about making futuristic cars and airplanes by assembly line. The title implies that the film is a love story, but it's really a "romance" between an immigrant and the land of opportunity. He falls in love with America and exceeds every expectation.