They Gave Him a Gun

They Gave Him a Gun (1937)

** 1/2 (out of 4)

MGM melodrama about two men, Fred (Spencer Tracy) a strong independent type and Jimmy (Franchot Tone) a rather weak one. The two met up in the Army and both fall in love with the same woman (Gladys George) but she eventually goes with Jimmy. After the war the two friends catch back up only this time Jimmy has started in with a gangster and it's up to Fred to try and save him. This film offers up some nice performances but the melodrama gets way too thick for its own good. In some ways this is yet another anti-war picture because the film's main message is that the government puts guns into the hands of young men and forces then to kill. Then, when they return home, they might not be able to find jobs so more guns get placed in their hands. That type of message or warning is something interesting but the movie can never really dive into it because we're caught up in a love triangle that we've seen countless times and a rather predictable one as it's simple to see what's going to happen to those involved. Tracy comes across with yet another good performance as the blowhard who will stop at nothing to keep his friend from getting into trouble. Toneis also very good in his role and really manages to come across as a weak, broken man. I wasn't too thrilled with George but God knows I've seen a lot worse. You can also look quick for Joe Sawyer who has a one-line role as a gangster. The movie could have been a lot better considering some of the talent involved but it can never rise above the mediocre screenplay.