The Greeks Had a Word for Them

I read with interest the comments of the critic for "Three Broadway Girls." Then I saw the movie. I must say that in accordance with the critic's 2007 standards, he was quite correct in his analysis. However, I am now 80 years old and remember the pictures in those days fairly well. I would say that the critic must be in his 30's or 40's for he evaluates the content and acting with those skills of 2007. If he were a critic in 1932 or the 30's for that matter, I think he would find this a 'charming' bit of humorous story telling. I would offer that those who criticize motion pictures should take into account the era in which they were made, and NOT evaluate them with the 2007 era standards.

This isn't a Warner Brothers quickie but there's a warm sense of familiarity about it and although we don't have the usual Warner family, the three girls do have a sparkling on-screen chemistry. Fans of 'Gold diggers of 1933' will like this - it is of course not as exceptional but it's got a similar plot, similar characters and that same upbeat, fun feel - but without songs.

Joan Blondell enjoyed the opportunity of working at a more relaxed pace in a more luxurious studio with Coco Chanel dresses and that enthusiasm coupled with her natural comic timing make her shine in this. George Barnes on camera captures her vibrancy brilliantly and his love making through the camera leads to him actually marrying her. Surprisingly though, she isn't the star in this, that accolade goes to Ina Claire, whom I confess know little about but she's fabulous in this. Not too sure about Madge Evans but nevertheless considering they've only just been thrown together for this, there's a real chemistry between them making them seem like they really are best friends.

Kind of remade twenty years later as 'How to Marry a Millionaire' but this original version, although only o.k. Is still just marginally better.

This fun, pre-code romp from 1932 starring Joan Blondell, Madge Evans, Ina Claire, was remade in color in 1953 as How to Marry a Millionaire. Similar plot, but in the original, the girls steal boyfriends (David Manners and Phillips Smalley) from each other, where as in the remake, they each find their own man, and then have to decide if they want to keep them or not. Interesting that Betty Grable, who starred in the 1953 version had appeared as a hat check girl in the 1932 version. This was one of the last films directed by Lowell Sherman ( also played Boris Feldman in the film) as he died two years after filming this. Ina Claire (played Jean) would have been the oldest of the three co-stars, 39 years old in 1932, and she only made three more after this. "The Greeks" was made during prohibition, so of course part of it takes place in a loud, smoke-filled "speakeasy". Lots of dark eye makeup, and the picture and sound quality are pretty terrible in the version I watched, but this IS a pretty old flick. A little slow, but fun if you have the patience. Gives you an idea of how some of the young, poor women got by in those days if they weren't willing to go look for work.

Joan Blondell, Madge Evans, and Ina Claire bring the Zoe Akins comedy, The Greeks Had A Word For It to the big screen. It's the story of three women who have determined that the good times of the 20s won't last and they're all determined to marry men who can support them in good style. By the time the play was making its 253 performance run on Broadway the Depression was upon us. No doubt those in the audience were saying how wise these girls were.

All three are different personality types, Claire's character isn't the noblest of God's creations, but they do have a bond with each other that seems to override all.

Adkins wrote some really great lines and the three of them, especially Blondell deliver those pre-Code zingers with pizazz. Those lines she didn't write Sidney Howard did for the screen and between the two of them we got one good script.

The American cinema has given us four versions of this story, the others being Three Blind Mice, Moon Over Miami, and How To Marry A Millionaire. All of them were updated to suit the times they were made in. An easy task to do because Akins is writing about eternal situations.

For fans of the leads, especially Blondell.

"Throughout the ages, half the women in the world have been working women… and the rest of the women have been working men," is a helpful introduction. And, opening with Joan Blondell (as Schatze Citroux) in her underwear is certainly appreciated. But, these "Three Broadway Girls" recreating Zoe Akins' "The Greeks Had a Word for It" for the big screen really shows its age. The storyline begins with Ina Claire (as Jean Lawrence) returning from France. She rejoins girlfriends Ms. Blondell and Madge Evans (as Polaire Gwynn). Alas, Ms. Claire is flat broke. So, the women set out to land a man, the richer the better. And, going after each other's man is fair game. The trio's main gold-digger is Ms. Claire, who also grabs most of the camera's attention.

The main leading man is dashing David Manners (as Dey Emery), best remembered for "Dracula" (1931). Actor/director Lowell Sherman was a great silent screen villain, especially memorable as the cad who impregnated and deserted Lillian Gish in "Way Down East" (1920). Interestingly, D.W. Griffith company player Creighton Hale was also in that movie, and receives some good "extra" work herein, possibly thanks to Mr. Sherman or producer Samuel Goldwyn. The film features several other notables in small roles. Probably the least satisfying will be the too briefly glimpsed Betty Grable, who appeared in this plot's updated "How to Marry a Millionaire" (1953). All in all, this film is mainly enjoyable for Claire's scene-stealing performance. She sure is having fun.

***** The Greeks Had a Word for Them (2/3/32) Lowell Sherman ~ Ina Claire, Joan Blondell, Madge Evans, David Manners