In 1929 Richard Arlen was definitely an up and coming actor. He had starred in "Wings", Paramount's aviation blockbuster of the year before (also with Clara Bow) so even though Miss Bow's name was above the title, the story is focused on his role as Larry Lee, "the best high wire act in the world" (or so the papers say). The same thing happened in the movie "Hot Saturday" (1932). Cary Grant was billed above Nancy Carroll - even though he had made only a few films. Carroll's star was in the descent, even though it was her film all the way. Clara Bow's golden days were behind her, but by 1930, the film's "newcomer" would find herself one of Paramount's top stars. Her name was Kay Francis. Kind hearted Clara helped Kay pick up some camera tricks and also suggested she shorten her name to Kay (it was Katharine) as it would fit on a marquee better.
One reviewer called Clara Bow "plain"!!!! I though she was plainly cute! Exotic Kay Francis was completely fascinating, very different from Clara. That was how Kay was discovered - Paramount executives were bowled over by her raven haired beauty.
Pat (Clara Bow), a cute bare back rider at Brock's circus, has a secret crush on Larry Lee, the circus' resident heart throb. He is part of a high wire act that also includes Zara (Kay Francis)(the "dangerous curves" of the title) an exotic vamp, who has Larry in her clutches. Not only is she sending Larry broke and driving him to drink but she is two timing him as well - with her husband, Tony (David Newell)!!! When Pat is out with friends (Stuart Erwin in one of his first roles) she happens to see Zara out with Tony. She tells Larry, who confronts Zara and Tony, who do not deny it. When he goes to perform his act, he is eaten up by rage and jealousy and falls off the wire. He goes to the hospital but secretly checks out and is found down and out and dead drunk in a Memphis flop house. Pat visits him and manages to talk him into coming back to the circus. He is full of bravado but his nerves are shattered. By coaxing and being a good friend Pat slowly restores his confidence. She gives him an idea for a novelty clown high wire act, thinking she will be his partner but he immediately sends for Zara!!! The climax comes when Pat goes on for an inebriated Larry (Zara has left him once again!!!) - risking her life so he can keep his job.
It is a pity that "Dangerous Curves" isn't a better movie but as Clara once said the studio gave her "any old story they fished out of waste baskets"!!! She struggles occasionally with the dialogue but it is only her second talkie and the script isn't up to much. In fact her emotion and personality overcome the weak script and she gives it everything she's got.
Recommended.
One reviewer called Clara Bow "plain"!!!! I though she was plainly cute! Exotic Kay Francis was completely fascinating, very different from Clara. That was how Kay was discovered - Paramount executives were bowled over by her raven haired beauty.
Pat (Clara Bow), a cute bare back rider at Brock's circus, has a secret crush on Larry Lee, the circus' resident heart throb. He is part of a high wire act that also includes Zara (Kay Francis)(the "dangerous curves" of the title) an exotic vamp, who has Larry in her clutches. Not only is she sending Larry broke and driving him to drink but she is two timing him as well - with her husband, Tony (David Newell)!!! When Pat is out with friends (Stuart Erwin in one of his first roles) she happens to see Zara out with Tony. She tells Larry, who confronts Zara and Tony, who do not deny it. When he goes to perform his act, he is eaten up by rage and jealousy and falls off the wire. He goes to the hospital but secretly checks out and is found down and out and dead drunk in a Memphis flop house. Pat visits him and manages to talk him into coming back to the circus. He is full of bravado but his nerves are shattered. By coaxing and being a good friend Pat slowly restores his confidence. She gives him an idea for a novelty clown high wire act, thinking she will be his partner but he immediately sends for Zara!!! The climax comes when Pat goes on for an inebriated Larry (Zara has left him once again!!!) - risking her life so he can keep his job.
It is a pity that "Dangerous Curves" isn't a better movie but as Clara once said the studio gave her "any old story they fished out of waste baskets"!!! She struggles occasionally with the dialogue but it is only her second talkie and the script isn't up to much. In fact her emotion and personality overcome the weak script and she gives it everything she's got.
Recommended.