The Worst Film Ever

Sadly Over-hyped

It was OK. I don't see why everyone loves it so much. It wasn't very smart or deep or well-directed.

By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.

Films that are relatively unique deserve extra credit. And how many films do you see about power line repair men? This film also gets some extra credit for having a surprisingly strong cast: Edward G. Robinson, Marlene Dietrich, and George Raft star. Supporting actors include Alan Hale, Sr., Frank McHugh, Eve Arden, Barton MacLane, and Ward Bond.It also caught my attention because I had a cousin who did electrical work for Kodak, was electrocuted, and although he lived and was eventually sort of okay, at the time his head swelled up to almost double its normal size.I've always liked Edward G. Robinson, especially when he's not in a gangster flick. And he's very good here as a sort of common guy who is a power line worker who doesn't know how to charm women.I never cared much for George Raft, but more recently I've been reexamining him, and he was pretty good in certain types of films. And, he's very good here. They say he gave Robinson a hard time while making this film, but it doesn't show at all on screen. There's a great scene where Raft slaps Dietrich across the face...twice! It's extremely rare that I have enjoyed Marlene Dietrich in a film, but here I admit she does rather nicely, and acts like a real person.Alan Hale, Sr. is a pretty dependable character actor, but I don't feel that he shined here. And, in fact. his performance points to the biggest problem I have with this film. The electrical work crew (most of the supporting actors) act far too goofy. I can't really blame the actors, but I sure will blame the screen writers and director.When I was a kid I remember liking Frank McHugh. The older I get, however, the less impressed I have become, and he seems very limited to me.Eve Arden is here as a saloon gal, but the role is inconsequential. Barton MacLane plays the bad guy here, but his same old limited performance. Ward Bond, one of my favorite character actors, is here, too, but it's not a role with much depth.The ending of this film surprised me, and I'm surprised it was approved.

...it is pretty much a remake of 1932's "Tiger Shark", with the same star - Edward G. Robinson - playing the exact same part as the well-meaning but naive cuckold in this tragic love triangle. If this was the story's first time out I'd probably give it an 8.This one is worth watching because the story is fleshed out better and is a better overall movie than the original, which is unusual for a production code era remake of a precode film. The other stars will certainly be better known to most people than the original. Hank (Robinson) and Johnny (George Raft) are workers on the power lines. One night while working on the high wires, Hank saves Johnny's life, but becomes lame in one leg as a result. The power company rewards Hank by promoting him to supervisor. Meanwhile, fellow power line repairman"Pop" Duval is letting his recently paroled daughter Fay (Marlene Dietrich) stay at his house while she gets back on her feet. Fay uses those feet to walk to the nearest clip joint and get a job as a house girl - someone who flirts with bar patrons and encourages them to run up big tabs. It is implied that the girls give the guests other services as well, but in the production code era this as far as the insinuation goes.Meanwhile, Hank gets out of the hospital and is instantly smitten by Fay. When her own father is killed in a job-related accident, Hank takes it upon himself to take care of her. He gives her gifts and asks her to marry him. Fay figures that even though she doesn't love Hank that maybe this is her one shot at going straight. Meanwhile, Johnny sees right through Fay and doesn't like the view. He doesn't want to see Hank get hurt, and is always on Fay's case, before and after the marriage. However, during this eagle eye vigil, Johnny and Fay accidentally fall in love, Hank walks in on their first embrace and believes it to be one of many and "sparks fly" if you'll forgive the expression.In this story you get to see the relationships develop and build between the main characters since the movie is 30 minutes longer than 1932's "Tiger Shark", plus the production values are better and also you now have those wonderful Warner supporting players fleshing things out - Alan Hale and Frank McHugh - that weren't around in 1932. Recommended even if you've already seen "Tiger Shark".

This is film pretty much has soap opera written all over it. The love triangle between Robinson, Raft and Dietrich has been in every soap from "Guiding Light" to "General Hospital". Robinson really has a good turn as the soft hearted and naive Hank and Raft is great as the sensible Johnny, who tries to show Hank that his marriage to Kay isn't all that it is cracked up to be. Dietrich also puts in a fine performance as Kay. Frank McHugh is his usual wonderful self adding the comic relief to this soap. However, the ending is pretty standard at the end when Johnny and Kay walk off together pretty much to console each other and to start life anew.Also, look for an early performance by Eve Arden. She plays one of the b-girls in the club in the latter scenes of the film.

A movie directed by Raoul Walsh and starring Edward G. Robinson, Marlene Dietrich and George Raft. Robinson and Raft play electricans who work on power lines and Dietrich plays the daughter of an old electrician who just got out of jail. Raft doesn't think much of Dietrich but Robinson falls for her pretty fast and wants to marry her. Raft tries to talk him out of it and he won't listen. Dietrich doesn't love Robinson but he talks her into it. She quits her job at the nightclub and moves in with Robinson. This is probably the only movie which has guys working on power lines and this movie also stars Ward Bond and Alan Hale as fellow electricians.Robinson and Dietrich do a pretty good job and Raft was never a very good actor but he is OK here.