kcfl-1 Review of -But the Flesh Is Weak

-But the Flesh Is Weak (1932)

Obnoxiousness Does Not Equal Charm

[6/10 · 20 June 2018]

I wonder if a generation of men's romantic styles were influenced by films like this* where boy-gets-girl by stalking her and being obnoxious. "I didn't realize I loved you until you hit me," is the girl's final line. OK, some women are masochistic (See "Elle" 2016), but there's no charm in his pursuit of her. The film has two main problems: a. both girls want to marry the boy almost immediately. b. the rich girl is much more attractive and interesting than the poor one the boy chooses. The film is saved by supporting performances, especially C Aubrey Smith, portraying vulnerability, and F Kerr, as a cross between a bumbling Frank Morgan and a haughty...C A Smith.

* Others in this genre are Smart Set (29) Marianne (29) Speedway (29) Pagan (29) The Girl Said No (30) War Nurse (30) Just a Gigolo (31) Play Girl (32) Westward Passage (32)