A Disappointing Continuation

How wonderful it is to see this fine actress carry a film and carry it so beautifully.

it is the rare 'crazy' movie that actually has something to say.

There is, somehow, an interesting story here, as well as some good acting. There are also some good scenes

I saw and reviewed the 1941 remake of "When Ladies Meet" almost three years ago. I was a bit cold on the film--and thought it should have been much better considering the star-filled cast. However, when I saw the 1933 version today, I really appreciated it. This leads me to wonder--is the original version that much better or has my taste just changed over the last few years? I am not sure which--but I can highly recommend this earlier film.The film is about adultery--a common topic during the Pre-Code era (up until mid 1934 when the new Production Code tightened the moral code within Hollywood's films). At first, it appears to actually endorse it or take a judgment neutral view--as Myrna Loy and Frank Morgan prepare to run off together even though Morgan is married. However, Loy's friend (Robert Montgomery) inexplicably loves her and wants to split the pair up because he feels this relationship is wrong. So, he connives to have Loy meet the wife (Ann Harding). What happens here is what makes the film so good--the women don't know who the other one actually is and they become friends. Only later do they discover the truth. I loved this final portion and I'd say more, but I don't want to ruin it. Suffice to say, it handles this moral quandary in a responsible and satisfying manner.Aside from a few quibbles (such as why Montgomery wants Loy is she shows such selfish behaviors), I really enjoyed the film. Fine acting and a nice script make for an adult film that really is as good and hard-hitting today as it was back in 1933. Well worth seeing.

New York City reporter Robert Montgomery (as Jimmie Lee) is in love with novelist Myrna Loy (as Mary Howard), but she won't accept his marriage proposals. She's in love with married publisher Frank Morgan (as Rogers Woodruf). In order to make Ms. Loy jealous, Mr. Montgomery persuades Mr. Morgan's wife Ann Harding (as Clare) to pose as his love interest "Mrs. Clara Clare". Loy's socialite friend Alice Brady (as Bridget Drake) offers advice and plays host to the cast at her country home. Rachel Crothers' sophisticated stage play retains a few amusing elements, after all these years. Would like to have seen more of Ms. Brady with companion Martin Burton (as Walter Manners). Enjoyed seeing Sterling Hayden as a caddy spreading hay fever.***** When Ladies Meet (6/23/33) Harry Beaumont ~ Robert Montgomery, Myrna Loy, Ann Harding, Alice Brady

1933 comedy isn't too creaky, despite its age. Droll adaptation (the first of two) of Rachel Crothers' play about a female writer who has penned a fictional account of an affair she had with a married man, later unknowingly befriending the jilted wife at a dinner party. Some very tart lines and smart performances by Ann Harding, Myrna Loy and Frank Morgan, but the direction (reportedly troubled) is somewhat sluggish. Robert Montgomery is an acting casualty, and the 85-minute film takes a good 45 minutes to warm up. Later remade in 1941 with Joan Crawford, and perhaps was the starting point for Allan Burns and Mary Tyler Moore's "Just Between Friends". ** from ****

I had a blast watching this sparkling and affable MGM classic - the first and best adaptation of Crothers' luridly sophisticated play, beautifully shot in black and white with some stylish Cedric Gibbons art direction. Elegant and effervescent, this pre-Code film is a triumph of casting: Myrna Loy, Ann Harding, Robert Montgomery, Alice Brady, and Frank Morgan all in top form. Loy is surprisingly enjoyable as the lady novelist Mary who is deeply in love with the publisher Rodge (Morgan). I agree Ann Harding steals the show; she never looked beautiful and radiant as the wife of the publisher. Alice Brady is a revelation as the whimsical society matron Bridget. The film sometimes feels too gabby but it is aided by the stars' charisma and a tremendously witty dialogue.