Movie Reviews for The Animal Kingdom

The Animal Kingdom

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Movie Reviews of The Animal Kingdom

Movie Review: Harding and Her Favorite Co-Star Shine
Summary: 5 Stars

In the biography, "Ann Harding - Cinema's Gallant Lady" (2010) Harding raves about her talented co-star Leslie Howard: "What a craftsman! He's an absolute challenge, with his perfect timing, and the way he sustains everything and throws the ball right back every time. I think he's the finest actor we have." The chemistry between the two penetrates every scene they share in The Animal Kingdom. Ann's character shirks convention. She is content to be Howard's mistress and is surprised to learn he is going to marry an opportunistic young woman played by Myrna Loy (who is also excellent here). Harding observes the Howard-Loy attraction is a combination of lust (Howard) and visions of dollar signs (Loy). According to author Scott O'Brien, playwright Philip Barry "intended the part of Daisy Sage, Ann's role as a young, budding artist, to be an extension of the character she had played in Holiday." The direction has a stagy feel, but the top-notch acting of this trio is well worth watching.

Movie Review: A neglected classic
Summary: 5 Stars

This almost forgotten film is a must-see for the wonderful and subtle performances of Leslie Howard (one of his best ever) and the underrated Ann Harding (she has top billing!) -- and Myrna Loy shows that she can be convincing in an unsympathetic role. Leni Stengel is so good in a small role that I wanted to see more of her, and Ilka Chase is hilarious as a hanger-on.

The screenplay is written by and for adults -- little is stated outright, much is implied. I've seen this several times on late night TV, and I've never tired of it. I'm glad I now own the Alpha DVD, which is very good for a 1932 film.

Note: the check Leslie Howard receives from his father is for $100,000 -- you can just make out the amount when Howard puts it on the mantel. That's equivalent to more than $1.5 million in today's money!

Movie Review: A Pre-Code Modern Tale
Summary: 5 Stars

This story just crackles and the cast is spectacular. There is no extra features to speak of, but the film transfer is very good and the audio is clear. Myrna Loy enthralls as the conniving and greedy wife who is shielded from society by the veil of marriage, and Ann Harding is endearing and sharp as the loving and supportive artist girlfriend of the always exceptional Leslie Howard. This story was ahead of its time with the lover holding the moral high ground. If you love classic movies that swirl with dialogue and character development, then this is for you. A must-see Pre-Code film.

Movie Review: Exceptional Print.
Summary: 5 Stars

The Alpha Version of this Historic film, the first shown on the opening night of Radio City Music Hall, is exceptional, and the best Alpha print I have ever seen. This is also a smart, intelligent film. More prints like this one and Millie could give Alpha a better reputation than it currently has.