★ 9 / 10
This was so much fun to watch, as
talisencrw
This was so much fun to watch, as Harlow tries to have her cake and eat it too, in having both the fine career, adopt a baby, and have true love, which she's…
This was so much fun to watch, as Harlow tries to have her cake and eat it too, in having both the fine career, adopt a baby, and have true love, which she's trying to discover amongst four very different suitors. Twists abound, and I greatly admire how unchanged she seemed to be (at least in her performance here) from her real self. She was definitely one of the best in this period of coming off that way. I simply wish she had made many more films, and hadn't died at such a young age. I definitely look forward to seeing the other six films in the 100th Anniversary Collection I found this in, from Warner Archives.
★ 8 / 10
Sizzling bombshell
TheLittleSongbird
My main reason for seeing 'Blonde Bombshell', yes there is always at least one main reason for seeing any film etc with me, was Jean Harlow. Have enjoyed…
My main reason for seeing 'Blonde Bombshell', yes there is always at least one main reason for seeing any film etc with me, was Jean Harlow. Have enjoyed almost all her previously seen films, with the exception of 'Reckless', and rate her very highly as a screen presence. She had a real gift for delivering risque material and rapid fire dialogue in a way that few actresses did so effectively. Victor Fleming, responsible for directing for two of my favourite films, was another interest point.
'Blonde Bombshell' was a real delight of a film. It is a perfect representation of Harlow and what made her so appealing and is one of her best films, also making one sad that she died tragically too young with so much more to give. Maybe not quite a masterpiece or one of Fleming's best (not being 'Wizard of Oz' and 'Gone with the Wind' level), but it was immensely enjoyable and while it is Harlow's film there is much more to 'Blonde Bombshell' than just her.
Did think that the film felt too busy in stretches, when it started to feel too on the farcical side, and could have done with a slowing and toning down in parts.
There is so much that is good though. It's a good looking film, with the slick photography and Harlow's elegant clothing standing out. Fleming directs with great assurance and it was clear that he knew what he was doing. The story is told confidently and in a way that is always vibrant in pace and entertaining.
Also loved the dialogue, which crackles in firey wit and bold humour, especially with Harlow's one-liners that are elevated by how she delivers them. With it being pre-code, 'Blonde Bombshell' gets away with quite a lot and doesn't hold back. There is no playing it too safe attitude here, this is daring ahead of the time stuff here. The cast do a great job, Lee Tracy is a confident male lead. Although the film occasionally overdoes the unlikeability of the character, Tracy doesn't and manages to be charming.
Frank Morgan is always great very funny value and Franchot Tone is suave and has great comic timing, have not seen romantic attempts this funny in a long time. Best of all is Harlow on peak-Harlow form, radiant, sassy, hilarious and alluring in a way that one cannot look away from.
Concluding, very good and sizzles at its best. 8/10.
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a blonde bombshell picked me, this movie is next level