Unlike a lot of very early talkies, this was made by a director for whom the introduction of sound didn't make him forget how to make films. It's clearly not as technologically advanced as pictures made just a year later but it's a remarkably professionally executed and well acted film.
Like the previous picture John Cromwell made for Selznick, THE DANCE OF LIFE, this also has none of those awful traits which blighted the very early talkies. It's dynamic, it's realistic and its dialogue feels natural. Scenes are allowed to develop and play out - there's none of that: switch the camera on - say the lines - switch the camera off technique common in say some Warner Brothers pictures where every foot of celluloid had to be accounted for. You're given the luxury to fully absorb what you're seeing - and indeed hearing. Such a pace could in a lesser movie result in a static, talky meandering malaise but fortunately this film's lively script and realistic characters keep your interest.
In an era of often simplistic stories, this is a surprisingly mature and intelligent offering. It's a serious and somber film about serious and somber issues but it successfully manages to distill all of that neatly into ninety minutes. Many years later Warners tackled the problem of gambling with its Edward G Robinson vehicle, DARK HAZARD. That had a much more light hearted approach which made it more accessible but although this isn't as enjoyable - you'll not smile much watching this - it's just as engrossing.
It's a real revelation to see William Powell not playing the usual debonair sophisticated cool guy. For a change, he's a somewhat damaged and unpleasant character but William Powell of course is just so likeable you're immediately on his side. The one loose wheel in this picture is, as is so often the case, Kay Francis. She was pretty good in a few films but her default affected acting style, gazing wistfully into the distance to speak her lines feels out of step with the rest of this film. I don't think she was quite ready for a lead part just yet in her career.
It's a good film, it's entertaining and it skilfully builds up the tension to an astonishing level towards the end but it's perhaps a film you appreciate more than you actually enjoy.
