Goodbye Again

About halfway through I realised I'd seen this before - only about a year ago but I'd instantly forgotten it. Kind of sums this nondescript nonsense.

Although we've got Michael Curtiz in the chair and Joan Blondell in full cuteness mode, what we haven't got is fun or drama or indeed entertainment.

Two problems: the studio and the lead.

Obviously WB made all sorts of movie genres back in the early 30s but those which stand the test of time are those in tune with the people struggling to get by as a result of the depression. This movie isn't about those people, it's about people we don't really care about. This type of movie needs more gloss so might have been better had it been made by Paramount etc. Who were used to a more sophisticated style.

Second problem - William Warren - a huge star in the early 30s but kind of a left-over from the roaring twenties. His cold, aloof tuxedo-wearing demeanour is just too different to how we are now to be able to empathise with a 21st century audience. When paired with Joan Blondell, who could just as easily fit in with a modern sit-com as a pre-code comedy, it doesn't work having him as the lead (these days).