She Done Him Wrong (1933)

This movie was a little odd - boring and interesting at the same time. The plot is minimal and only really emerges in the final third of this 64 minute film. Though it does serve as a portrait of lower Manhattan in the 1890s. Definitely lacking in the soon to follow Hays Code purity, subtle and not-so-subtle references abound to prostitution and casual sex. This includes the classic Mae West line, delivered to a 29-year-old Cary Grant, "Why don't you come up sometime and see me?"

I found West annoying, but probably mostly due to her resemblance to poor imitations of her unique accent. I suppose it's not an accent exactly, but not sure what else to call it - it's the Mae West accent. That in itself almost makes this worth watching.


42 to go...