Little Man, What Now (1934) :
Brief Review -
Frank Borzage's hope during the Depression Era, just before Charlie Chaplin's Modern Times. Borzage was one of those directors from old Hollywood who liked to stick to the basics and old traditions. He rarely used any modern theories, and so he chose the films accordingly. Little Man, What Now is not just a film, it's encouragement, a boost to the people who have lost hope in life, and not to forget that it came in the early 30s, i.e. The depression era. It was just before Charlie Chaplin's silent classic, "Modern Times" (1936). "Never say die, we'll get along," - remember this quote from the film? Well, Borzage's Little Man, What Now tells you the same story from a different point of view. But the motive remains the same. I remember two old classic films fondly, which focused on the same issue of poverty and ended with a hope of ray. The first one is King Vidor's "The Crowd" (1928) and the second one is the John Ford directorial "The Grapes Of Wrath" (1940). Based on Hans Fallada's novel, Borzage's film is about a married couple struggling against the poverty caused by unemployment. The film is not depressing, nor is it too intense, yet it explains the issue very well. The couple seems relatable because they don't go through any highly dramatic conflicts, while the supporting characters keep adding humour. The screenplay is well adapted by William Anthony McGuire and it never feels boring. It's just a sweet little film with a little message that may bring a big change in perspective on looking at tough times. Douglass Montgomery and Margaret Sullivan are as cute as they could get, and you'll love watching them on screen. Frank Borzage is at his typical best when that typical term wasn't established for him. So, it's a worthwhile one to look at if you love watching films with contemporary importance.
RATING - 7/10*
Frank Borzage's hope during the Depression Era, just before Charlie Chaplin's Modern Times. Borzage was one of those directors from old Hollywood who liked to stick to the basics and old traditions. He rarely used any modern theories, and so he chose the films accordingly. Little Man, What Now is not just a film, it's encouragement, a boost to the people who have lost hope in life, and not to forget that it came in the early 30s, i.e. The depression era. It was just before Charlie Chaplin's silent classic, "Modern Times" (1936). "Never say die, we'll get along," - remember this quote from the film? Well, Borzage's Little Man, What Now tells you the same story from a different point of view. But the motive remains the same. I remember two old classic films fondly, which focused on the same issue of poverty and ended with a hope of ray. The first one is King Vidor's "The Crowd" (1928) and the second one is the John Ford directorial "The Grapes Of Wrath" (1940). Based on Hans Fallada's novel, Borzage's film is about a married couple struggling against the poverty caused by unemployment. The film is not depressing, nor is it too intense, yet it explains the issue very well. The couple seems relatable because they don't go through any highly dramatic conflicts, while the supporting characters keep adding humour. The screenplay is well adapted by William Anthony McGuire and it never feels boring. It's just a sweet little film with a little message that may bring a big change in perspective on looking at tough times. Douglass Montgomery and Margaret Sullivan are as cute as they could get, and you'll love watching them on screen. Frank Borzage is at his typical best when that typical term wasn't established for him. So, it's a worthwhile one to look at if you love watching films with contemporary importance.
RATING - 7/10*