CHAINED (Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, 1934), directed by Clarence Brown, may give the impression from its title that this is a prison movie set on the chain gang. In fact, it's a simple romantic triangle with invisible chain of devotion taken from an original story by Edgar Selwyn, teaming Joan Crawford and Clark Gable for the fifth time.
Set in New York City, the story introduces Diane Lovering (Joan Crawford), who, after working for five years as private secretary under wealthy steamship owner and middle-aged businessman, Richard Field (Otto Kruger), has now become his mistress. Because he's unable to have his wife, Louise (Marjorie Gateson) grant him a divorce, he suggests for Diane to take a cruise, with Amy (Una O'Connor) to Buenos Aires until he can settle matters with Louise. Being devoted to Richard, and wanting him to be happy, she promises to come back to him upon her return from her trip. While on her cruise on one of Richard's steamships, Diane meets Mike Bradley (Clark Gable), an Argentine rancher traveling from New York with his friend, Johnny L. Smith (Stuart Erwin). After a shaky start, their relationship becomes a shipboard romance. Problems arise when Diane returns to learn Richard is now free to marry her, only to begin having second thoughts. Akim Tamiroff and Paul Porcasi co-star in smaller roles. Look fast for future MGM star, Mickey Rooney, appearing briefly as a boy swimmer in the pool.
As much as material such as this could have gone to other dramatic actresses of formula material as Kay Francis, Norma Shearer or even Greta Garbo, the presence of Crawford and Gable appear to be the most forceful asset. Under Clarence Brown's direction, they simply make this routine mix of comedy and melodrama seem fresh and original. Aside from some comedy relief by Stuart Erwin, other amusing moments occur on how Gable and Crawford meet, followed by Gable pretending to be crazy with Crawford as his keeper in order to have following lady passengers (Nora Cecil and Grace Hayle) from annoying them. Otto Kruger does well as Crawford's benefactor. Aside from having a fine speaking voice, his performance presents him as understanding and caring for the love of Diane. Though some portions may lag during some of its 75 minutes, it's acceptable viewing. Before 1934 would come to a close, Crawford and Gable would unite again in FORSAKING ALL OTHERS, indicating how Crawford and Gable are a grand team.
Formerly available on video cassette and later DVD, CHAINED did have some cable television broadcasts over the years, namely the Movie Channel in 1991 before becoming a permanent fixture along with other MGM movie titles on Turner Classic Movies since 1994. (**1/2)
Set in New York City, the story introduces Diane Lovering (Joan Crawford), who, after working for five years as private secretary under wealthy steamship owner and middle-aged businessman, Richard Field (Otto Kruger), has now become his mistress. Because he's unable to have his wife, Louise (Marjorie Gateson) grant him a divorce, he suggests for Diane to take a cruise, with Amy (Una O'Connor) to Buenos Aires until he can settle matters with Louise. Being devoted to Richard, and wanting him to be happy, she promises to come back to him upon her return from her trip. While on her cruise on one of Richard's steamships, Diane meets Mike Bradley (Clark Gable), an Argentine rancher traveling from New York with his friend, Johnny L. Smith (Stuart Erwin). After a shaky start, their relationship becomes a shipboard romance. Problems arise when Diane returns to learn Richard is now free to marry her, only to begin having second thoughts. Akim Tamiroff and Paul Porcasi co-star in smaller roles. Look fast for future MGM star, Mickey Rooney, appearing briefly as a boy swimmer in the pool.
As much as material such as this could have gone to other dramatic actresses of formula material as Kay Francis, Norma Shearer or even Greta Garbo, the presence of Crawford and Gable appear to be the most forceful asset. Under Clarence Brown's direction, they simply make this routine mix of comedy and melodrama seem fresh and original. Aside from some comedy relief by Stuart Erwin, other amusing moments occur on how Gable and Crawford meet, followed by Gable pretending to be crazy with Crawford as his keeper in order to have following lady passengers (Nora Cecil and Grace Hayle) from annoying them. Otto Kruger does well as Crawford's benefactor. Aside from having a fine speaking voice, his performance presents him as understanding and caring for the love of Diane. Though some portions may lag during some of its 75 minutes, it's acceptable viewing. Before 1934 would come to a close, Crawford and Gable would unite again in FORSAKING ALL OTHERS, indicating how Crawford and Gable are a grand team.
Formerly available on video cassette and later DVD, CHAINED did have some cable television broadcasts over the years, namely the Movie Channel in 1991 before becoming a permanent fixture along with other MGM movie titles on Turner Classic Movies since 1994. (**1/2)