RECKLESS is a by the numbers programmer but Jean Harlow gives a sensational performance in it. You truly feel her heartbreak and of course with the storyline rather tastelessly mirroring her private life one can well understand how Jean could have such empathy for her character.
shareI'm not sure I'd go as far to say the film was bad, but it's by no mean the best Harlow MGM film.
I agree with you on Harlow's performance, she was wonderful. I love the melodrama, and Jean looked stunning. Gorgeous gowns, make up and dazzling hair. One of my favourites of Jean's films. William Powell, Franchot Tone, May Robson and Rosalind Russell all put in strong performances. It's a fun film to watch, with cute musical numbers.
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Yes, I guess calling it bad is taking it too far because I certainly enjoyed the movie, with it's excellent cast, stunning art deco sets, and Jean at the peak of her white hot beauty. Some of the songs are excellent even if Jean isn't really singing them. The story is in rather bad taste though considering it rather exploits Jean's own personal life. I've never really cared for Franchot Tone and here he is such a jerk it only underlines my feelings toward him on the screen.
shareI don't really like Jean Harlow. I don't have anything against her; I'm just not a fan and that's probably because I haven't seen many of her movies. I did enjoy this movie though.
I like movies that give people something to think and talk about. In this one, there are themes that are still relevant today. The one that's particularly topical is the way she's treated at the end. We have a lot of that going on today; people being tried and convicted in the court of public opinion. If that weren't bad enough, the public also takes it upon themselves to also dole out both the sentence and punishment. I think it's one of our very worse traits as humans.
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The story is not about Jean's personal, real-life, misfortunes but the fact she was cast in it probably was an attempt to exploit the similarities. Apparently, according to her bio, she refused to do the movie at first. She was facing suspension so William Powell convinced her to take the role.
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I've seen Franchot Tone in several other movies and I think he's believable. In this movie, I thought he did a good job. It seems you did too. The fact you thought he was jerk means he nailed the role.
Woman, man! That's the way it should be Tarzan. [Tarzan and his mate]
Harlow was stunning.
Her 24yr old gravity defying perkyness breaks all codes.
You see why Powell was gaga for her.
I understand Jean had "Nina Mae McKinney" roles cut cause she felt threatened of her being a better singer and dancer than her...She couldn't stand the fact that black women were better performers than her flat white azz...typical racism in the early 20th century.
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