Plot Summary - Expertly done precode melodrama, directed by Frank Capra. At the Union National Bank, the board of directors want a merger so they can get bank president Tom Dickson (Walter Huston) out of controlling the bank - seems they think he has been giving out "idiotic loans" and is way too liberal with the bank's money. Dickson refuses to go ahead with the merger and insists his way - the belief in "faith" and trust - is the right way. Now Dickson is shown from the start to be a very likable guy, loved by all his employees as he seems to personally greet each one individually on his arrival. Meanwhile, a bank employee named Cluett is being hounded by evil loan sharks for a gambling debt - and they push him into helping them rob the bank! Hmm, this guy's a real winner (not!) - in addition to his gambling problems he is also a ladies man currently trying to seduce Dickson's rather neglected wife - and their "love-making" is witnessed by bank clerk Matt Brown (Pat O'Brien) who decides to visit Cluett and try to straighten out this mess the same night as the bank is robbed. Gossip girls on switchboard start a rumor the next day which leads to a big bank run! Chaos - madness!
Review - This film is quite a good one, parts reminiscent of the film "It's a Wonderful Life" (particularly the ending). The film mostly takes place inside the gorgeous art deco bank interior - there is no background music in the film, the style is stage play like. Walter Huston gives a really nice, appealing performance here as Dickson. Pat O'Brien has a rather small part, really. The main blondie switchboard operator (she of the high-pitched squeal) featured here and there briefly throughout the film is quite funny - actor Sterling Holloway is also seen a few times here and there as a bank worker - pretty amusing too. Well done. Rating - 9/10 stars
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment