Ross Alexander



I was very impressed with Ross Alexander in this film. I thought he was a charming and charismatic sidekick to Dick Powell. Sort of like Alan Hale was to Errol Flynn or Frank McHugh to James Cagney.

One year before his role as Jeremy Pitt opposite Errol Flynn in "Captain Blood" (1935), both talented and handsome, Mr. Alexander showed such great promise. It's a pity that he wasn't given a chance to reach his potential, and tragically ended his own life.


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Alexander has a great wit in Flirtation Walk, playing the jocular best friend who gets a bit sidelined by the hero. Similar to the relationship he and Powell's characters had in Midsummer a year later (except he fairs a bit better as Demetrius in the end! ).

I also was really impressed with Alexander in Captain Blood. He skillfully brought to life Jeremy Pitt's "cringing, furtive manner" while a slave, and then his "bright alertness" in times of hope. Actors today can learn from such a performer who was so willing to wear his emotions on his sleeve.

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