John Boles is quite charming as Paul Vanderkill of Manhattan, "one of the richest men in the world", whom nobody seems to recognize (he must be one up on Howard Hughes). While investigating a nightclub on the family property--reputed to be full of "nekked girls"--he discovers it's a respectable joint, a dime-a-dance ballroom, where he falls for Nancy Carroll as an Irish firecracker who thinks he's pulling her leg. Otherwise smart and savvy romantic comedy-drama from Columbia Pictures nevertheless goes awfully heavy on Irish, Hispanic and Yiddish stereotypes (plus a gay dress designer!). Adapted from the Broadway play by Preston Sturges, screenwriters Gertrude Purcell and Maurine Dallas Watkins come up with the oddest shopgirl fantasy: salty, unrefined woman chances upon a lovestruck millionaire--although one who doesn't particularly want marriage (he thinks his dancer should marry a hard-working young fellow, yet he also wants to have her for his own). Boles is a lot younger than he's meant to be, but his attractiveness is just right for the part (one can imagine theatergoers swooning in their seats in 1933!). The picture is rather surprisingly fresh in its depiction of mores and morals, and we get to spend enough quality time with the leads so that they're union is an embraceable one. Not bad; look fast for a young Betty Grable as Lucy. **1/2 from ****
Review of Child of Manhattan
