East Lynne (1931)

After a couple underwhelming films, this one wasn't too bad at all. A new bride, Isabella, is set up on an English estate called East Lynne. She soon becomes dissatisfied as her husband is always away and his domineering sister controls the household. Isabella is accused of having an affair and banished from East Lynne, forced to leave her young son behind. It may have been typical, early-30s slow, but I was engaged enough that I'd be curious to seek out the 1861 novel it's based on.

5 to go...

Disraeli (1929)

Not bad. Solid performances, solid script. Just too dry and slow by today's standards. Not a full biopic. Just focuses on Disraeli's attempt to  purchase the Suez Canal in 1875. 

6 to go...

Test Pilot (1938)

 

Clark Gable is a womanizing test pilot who has to make an emergency landing on a Kansas farm. In less than 36 hours, he's married to the farmer's daughter who somehow hates that he's always risking his life in the air. There are some good one-liners and the plane scenes are very impressive for the 1930s, but aside from that it's borderline unwatchable. I thought it was winding down then suddenly realized it was only halfway over. Can't recommend it.

7 to go...

Naughty Marietta (1935)

Pretty cookie-cutter, but it probably felt more original 90 years ago. A French princess (fictional) during the reign of Louis XV boards a ship to New Orleans to avoid an arranged marriage. She falls for one of the frontiersmen who saves her after the ship is captured by pirates on the way over. One solid joke at the end, but hard to recommend overall.

8 to go...

One Foot in Heaven (1941)

 

Such a bizarre choice for a story. Nothing happens. It's the story of a pastor - nothing remarkable, just a pastor. The end. No idea why anyone would feel the need to make this movie.

9 to go...

Flirtation Walk (1934)

 

An irreverent private army stationed in Hawaii falls for the visiting commanding officer's daughter. She rebuffs him so that he won't desert. He then applies to West Point to turn his life and career around (and to put thoughts of the girl behind him). They meet again at his graduation four years later.

It's fine. Pretty standard '30s rom com, dated, but with some funny moments.

10 to go...

One Hundred Men and a Girl (1937)

 

This movie was surprisingly delightful. The lead girl could be a bit much, but I was smiling from beginning to end. Great use of misunderstandings for both humor and to advance the plot.

The daughter of a struggling musician runs around town trying to create a new orchestra from all the unemployed musicians her father knows.

11 to go...