BBBBB
(out of 5)
Every frame of this wonderful comedy-tearjerker is chock full of charm as it follows the hilarious love lives of Claude Rains‘ four attractive daughters (three of them played by the irresistible Lane sisters). One of them manages a romance with a sensitive boxer (John Garfield in his breakthrough role). Deceptively simple, the film starts out sweet and unassuming until it turns the screws and really gets you to care deeply about the characters involved. Exceptionally well written and beautifully directed by Michael Curtiz, this is a top example of thirties filmmaking.
USA, 1938
Directed by Michael Curtiz
Screenplay by Julius J. Epstein, Lenore J. Coffee, from the Cosmopolitan Magazine story by Fannie Hurst
Cinematography by Ernest Haller
Produced by Hal B. Wallis
Music by Max Steiner
Production Design by John Hughes
Costume Design by Orry-Kelly
Film Editing by Ralph Dawson
Cast Tags: Claude Rains, Dick Foran, Donald Kerr, Eddie Acuff, Eddie Albert, Frank McHugh, Gale Page, Hal B. Wallis, Jeffrey Lynn, John Garfield, Lola Lane, May Robson, Michael Curtiz, Priscilla Lane, Rosemary Lane,Tom Dugan, Vera Lewis
Academy Award Nominations
Best Actor in a Supporting Role (John Garfield as “Mickey Borden”)
Best Directing (Michael Curtiz)
Outstanding Production (Warner Bros.-First National)
Best Sound Recording (Warner Bros. Studio Sound Department, Nathan Levinson, sound director)
Best Writing (Screenplay) (Julius J. Epstein, Lenore Coffee)
New York Film Critics Award Nominations
Best Actor (John Garfield)
Best Director (Michael Curtiz)
