Really, how much of these noble suffering roles could Ann Harding take without puking? It isn't simply a matter of typecasting; often typecasting, particularly for stars in the studio period was simply a matter of finding a good compromise between their talents and the sort of vehicle the public would accept. And assuredly, Miss Harding could carry this sort of superior suffering with a great deal of class.
I suppose the way to handle this is the way director Stephen Roberts did: make sure that the supporting actors are amusing. Edward Ellis, best known for his role as the eponymous murder victim in THE THIN MAN is utterly charming as Harding's father-in-law, and Walter Abel's cohort of tipsy gamblers are also amusing. This was a strength of Mr. Roberts' directing. It is a pity he died the year this was released as Hollywood lost a talented director in him.
In terms of story, this seems like a cross between THEODORA GOES WILD and THE WOMEN. If you're not overloaded on Ann Harding movies you should enjoy it greatly. Even if you are, the supporting talent makes it worthwhile.
I suppose the way to handle this is the way director Stephen Roberts did: make sure that the supporting actors are amusing. Edward Ellis, best known for his role as the eponymous murder victim in THE THIN MAN is utterly charming as Harding's father-in-law, and Walter Abel's cohort of tipsy gamblers are also amusing. This was a strength of Mr. Roberts' directing. It is a pity he died the year this was released as Hollywood lost a talented director in him.
In terms of story, this seems like a cross between THEODORA GOES WILD and THE WOMEN. If you're not overloaded on Ann Harding movies you should enjoy it greatly. Even if you are, the supporting talent makes it worthwhile.