John Barrymore is astounding in this picture -- his manic performance and Grade-A "ham"manship is, in my opinion, unparalleled in cinema. He absolutely carries the film and is a delight to watch in every scene. To me his performance is addictive -- I just can't get enough. His eyes, hands, legs, even his untamed hair, all combine to make a remarkable character.
Others have commented on his imitation of a camel, his fake death scene, his impersonation of a Mark Twain-type Southern gentleman in order to escape Chicago -- another standout is the scene when he discovers Mildred/Lily has left him for Hollywood. From screaming "Anathema!...Child of Satan!" to blotting out her name on the play posters with black paint that gets everywhere, the whole thing is unbelievably hilarious. I can't believe he didn't get an Oscar for this.
Lombard is quite good as Mildred/Lily, but she really doesn't have a fine or deft enough comedic touch. That's not to say she's bad, but in comparison to Barrymore I noticed a lack. Barrymore's two partners in crime, Walter Connolly and Roscoe Karns, however, are fantastic. Karns is especially good.
The writing, of course, is amazing. And with Howard Hawks directing you can't go wrong.
Others have commented on his imitation of a camel, his fake death scene, his impersonation of a Mark Twain-type Southern gentleman in order to escape Chicago -- another standout is the scene when he discovers Mildred/Lily has left him for Hollywood. From screaming "Anathema!...Child of Satan!" to blotting out her name on the play posters with black paint that gets everywhere, the whole thing is unbelievably hilarious. I can't believe he didn't get an Oscar for this.
Lombard is quite good as Mildred/Lily, but she really doesn't have a fine or deft enough comedic touch. That's not to say she's bad, but in comparison to Barrymore I noticed a lack. Barrymore's two partners in crime, Walter Connolly and Roscoe Karns, however, are fantastic. Karns is especially good.
The writing, of course, is amazing. And with Howard Hawks directing you can't go wrong.