Twentieth Century
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Movie Reviews of Twentieth Century
Movie Review: Doesnt hold up to Hawks' classic comedies
Summary: 3 Stars
Although some claim that this film was the first screwball comedy, it has faded into relative obscurity and I would say with some justification. While there are some very funny moments ( amply supplied by the leads and supporting cast), and the film is generally amusing there are at least a dozen "screwballs" that I would recommend over this one.
I think Twentieth Century is mostly memorable for the top talent: from writers, director, leads and supporting cast; and for the fact that this was Carole Lombard's breakout film. And while it may or may not be the first screwball comedy, you can easily see the basic elements of the genre in this film.
Lombard and Barrymore are hamming it up as a "genius" director who turns a no-talent lingerie model into a successful theater actress. They have a string of theater hits together, and become romantically entwined. But they find they cant live with each other, at least not without high drama, and they separate ... the plot revolves around their getting back together. This is all played as farce and comes off pretty well. Although I think the overacting of Barrymore and Lombard might be a little too much for modern tastes.
The film parodies theatrical people and the theater in general, and of course Hollywood by extension since so many from the New York theater establishment ( writers , actors, musicians, etc) were going out to Hollywood in droves at this time. (Interesting that Lombard's character goes out to Hollywood after leaving Barrymore and the theater).
While we have the ingredients for a good comedy, even a "screwball", I don't believe they come together so well. We have the snappy lines and wit, the goofy characters, ridiculous mishaps; but the pace seems very slow at times as the movie becomes too busy with subplots and running gags. Or perhaps it is the chemistry between the male and female leads that is lacking in Twentieth Century. There is nothing very appealing about Barrymore's character in a romantic way. He is all conniving and self absorbed. Lombard's Lilli Garland becomes all diva without anything to compensate. The zaniness and peculiarity of these characters seems to overwhelm any charm that would make them very likeable.
Hawks gets it just right in a few years with "Bringing Up Baby" and "His Girl Friday", two movies that leave this one far behind in their polish and craftsmanship. Nevertheless this film is worth viewing, particularly to see how Hawks and Lombard went on to so much success by developing many of the basic elements of this film. And it is a fun movie. However, Twentieth Century is just a warm-up for both of them. Even Barrymore who would soon be unable to deliver lines without cue cards due to alcoholism would go on to more memorable performances in "Dinner at Eight" and "Midnight".
Movie Review: Restoration Needed to make "Twentieth" Shine!
Summary: 3 Stars
"Twentieth Century" (1934) is a brilliant and scathing screwball yarn about a manical Broadway impressario, Oscar Jaffe's (John Barrymore) headstrong attempt to mold a shopgirl, Mildred Plotka (Carole Lombard) into the toast of the Great White Way. A bigger ham than any of his protiges, Oscar's career goes into a sudden tail spin after Mildred, christened Lily Garland, breaks free of his artistic stronghold for a chance to make it big in Hollywood. Now the toast of two coasts and everything in-between, Mildred doesn't need anyone to help her career. Oscar's bitter rejection and professional oblivion seems complete until he chances to meet Lily again, this time on the Twentieth Century Limited. Desperate to resign Mildred, but unwilling to admit that he needs her, the battle of the wills that ensues between these two old rivals is hilarious. The Ben Hecht/Charles MacArthur screenplay pulls out all the stops. As bitter enemies, Barrymore and Lombard are out and out crazy to the point of madcap absurdity. Howard Hawk's spirited direction in confined spaces draws upon the humanity of the piece and comes up a real winner. The same can't be said for Columbia's lack luster DVD transfer. The black and white image is very unstable. Blacks are sometimes deep, but often less than. Whites are not very clean. There is a considerable amount of film grain throughout. The contrast levels fluctuate as well. Often looking quite dirty and riddled with age related artifacts, the comedic sheen of "Twentieth Century" leaves something to be desired. The audio is mono but in about as good a condition as the visual elements of the film. Occasionally a pop and hiss can be heard under the arch of great performances which is a genuine shame. The DVD comes with an obtrusive string of trailers for other films and Japanese subtitle option - whatever! Bottom line: the film is golden. The transfer is tin. Let the buyer beware before making their purchase decision.
Movie Review: great film, sub-par DVD
Summary: 3 Stars
I see no great need to add to the glowing comments others have already heaped on this film. It really is special, and one of my favorites. And because it is, I was hugely disappointed by the DVD. This transfer is pretty bad, and doesn't look much better than you might get from a public domain film some of the other companies grab hold of and slap onto a really cheaply priced DVD.
This film is one of those treasures, historically important, and just damn good. You'd have thought that SONY (the parent company for Columbia/Tri-Star) would have invested more effort into ensuring a pristine restoration and DVD transfer. The film deserves it. Many of us have waited long enough for the DVD, this is a sham. If this is the best print they could lay their hands on, they should have paid to have someone do a digital restoration on it; but I suspect they could have procurred better elements, and just didn't try. There are no extras on the DVD. Nothing worthwhile, only a few trailers for unrelated films. There are enough Barrymore biographers out there who could have supplied commentary and insight; there are film historians who could have also added some value to this release.
It doesn't speak well of the companies involved that they appear to have tossed this off so casually. They should be ashamed.
Movie Review: Way over the top!
Summary: 3 Stars
For film historians or those curious about how women were used in 30s films, this certainly is typical. The raves about its insights and comic moments are hard to support as it is so exaggerated. Harlow is smart and quick and Barrymore, at a low point in his career,takes his egotistical character up into the thin air. A lot of patience is needed to enjoy it.Movie Review: Too much ham provided by John Barrymore (Jaffe) & Carole
Summary: 2 Stars
Lombard(Lily). They outrageosly overact their way thru this disappointing 1934 comedy. It's a battle of wits as Lily tries to escape the clutches of her director the great Jaffe. He has made her a big success on Broadway. But he is sufficating her with his controlling of her every waking moment. She rebels & flees to Hollywood & becomes a star. Jaffe is a flop after her. Several years pass & they happen to both be traveling on the 20th Century. It is the train traveling between Chicago & New York City in the 30's. The hysteronics commence. I know Lombard is the queen of the screwball comedy genre but the dialogue becomes rather tedious. He plots & schemes to do everything he can to get her to sign a contract. She does everything to evade him. But they are on fast moving train that rarely stops. They are, of course, in love. Neither is a likeable character & they deserve each other.