MovieChat Forums > Frisco Jenny (1933) Discussion > Tough subjects square in the public's fa...

Tough subjects square in the public's face


Oh how I enjoy the precode films! Fun and with at least a sprinkling of realism, and sometimes a lot more than just a sprinkling. These films took on tough topical subjects and put them square in the public's face, frequently doing so with plenty of humor, overt and veiled. There is so much to be appreciated about these films beside the subjects tackled: the actors, gorgeous costumes, sets, directors who were either pros already or those learning the art (and we reaped the benefit), splendid camera work, goodness how I could go on...

But what I loved about this film was Ruth Chatterton. What a fine actor and a beauty with originality. When you watch her, she makes the most of her lovely smile whenever possible, and those eyes and her carriage.

My favorite Chatterton film is Dodsworth. Yes, the second half of the film belongs to Walter Houston. Yet when Ruth is on the screen, she fills it. The scene on Lake Como (I believe that's the lake) is pivotal and Chatterton plays it with subtlety. The camerawork regarding the end of that scene I could watch again and again. I have watched Dodsworth, oh and Female, many times over the years.

Again, as I try to remember to write on my posts now because people seem to get angry with the various boards, these are only my opinions, and my spelling...

"Wow. Our town has only had a Whole Foods for three weeks and we already have our first gay kids."

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