I'm a straight arrow. Been married 44 years, never cheated. Don't smoke, drink or do drugs. But I'm not a prude. I love pre-code films. It's just when I see a really decent guy get the shaft it upsets me. I don't know that anyone other than Otto Kruger could have played this role. He breathes sincerity. In anyone else it would be hilarious or maudlin. He makes the film work. Gable's character has known a lot of women. I think he'll know more, sooner or later. The flame of Crawford's character will turn to dust in time. Yes, it's exciting but it won't last. Until she met Gable her life would have been one of long term serene happiness, thinking only of Kruger while he thought only of her. That's the way to spend a life, or at least the way I've spent mine. Crawford made the wrong choice. If she'd stayed with Kruger I would have given it a 9.
Otto Kruger was a better actor than most persons can imagine. He could play a suave fifth columnist who loves his wife and grandson (Saboteur), an action hero (Dracula's Daughter), a caring scientist with a very thin skin (Dr. Erlich's Magic Bullet) and a romantic leading man (Beauty For Sale). And everything in-between. He adds something to every film he's in because he is, in the end, believable.
Otto Kruger was a better actor than most persons can imagine. He could play a suave fifth columnist who loves his wife and grandson (Saboteur), an action hero (Dracula's Daughter), a caring scientist with a very thin skin (Dr. Erlich's Magic Bullet) and a romantic leading man (Beauty For Sale). And everything in-between. He adds something to every film he's in because he is, in the end, believable.