i'm crazy for movies directed by clarence brown. he could bring out the sweetness of a sour lemon. in, 'a free soul' he shines his beautiful light on all sorts of dark subjects. this 'racy' film deals with drinkers, gamblers and one young woman who walks out of the safe and loving arms of her fiance, played by leslie howard, into the arms of a racketeer, played by clark gable. much as she loves her wild new life, she'll give it up if her dad gives up drinking. the scene in which the father and daughter make promises to each other is amazing. lionel barrymore as the distraught dad, like his younger brother john, had the most expressive hands in hollywood.'free soul' actress, norma shearer, must have been the envy of every woman on the lot. she was gifted, married to boy wonder irving thalberg, (a very famous film producer) and was given the juiciest role. this particular film is very juicy. her clothes, designed by adrian, are awesome and timeless, revealing without revealing too much.
low life and love life meet in another great film.
1 comment:
norma shearer has the panache in film like susan hayward and barbara stanwyck in my opinion....
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