Tag Archives: pre-code

3 things about Nick Grinde’s SHOPWORN

Posted on December 6, 2024 by robchristopher

Shopworn [1932] 1. Her response to the college boy’s attempt at flirtation is to ring up NO SALE on the cash register. 2. Alley cats hanging around the garbage cans out back. 3. Bored with Baked Alaska.

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3 things about William A. Wellman’s SAFE IN HELL

Posted on January 12, 2024 by robchristopher

Safe in Hell [1931] 1. Their faces as viewed through the packing crate. 2. One by one the men slouch in their chairs for the chance to peek up her dress. 3. The way Nina Mae McKinney says “mmmhmm.”

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3 things about Rowland Brown’s QUICK MILLIONS

Posted on October 30, 2023 by robchristopher

Quick Millions [1931] 1. Under-the-table POV of the hit. 2. George Raft’s snake-hips dance. 3. “What difference does it make. Whether laws are made by a bunch of lawyers for other lawyers to break, or whether they’re made by hoodlums … Continue reading →

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3 things about George Archainbaud’s THIRTEEN WOMEN

Posted on October 24, 2023 by robchristopher

Thirteen Women [1932] 1. No net. 2. She cavalierly tosses the package out the car window; it hits the ground and explodes. 3. “I spent six years slaving to get money enough to put me through finishing school, to make … Continue reading →

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3 things about Tay Garnett’s ONE WAY PASSAGE

Posted on August 22, 2023 by robchristopher

One Way Passage [1932] 1. Extra gunclip. 2. Hairpiece for the countess. 3. Mystical ending: the ghostly remnants of cocktail glasses appear on New Year’s.

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3 things about W.S. Van Dyke’s PENTHOUSE

Posted on September 25, 2022 by robchristopher

Penthouse [1933] 1. “Oh, I’ve been stupid. Very stupid.” “Of course. You’re a man.” 2. He clutches his stomach and blood spurts out from between his fingers. 3. Sugar in her coffee.

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3 things about Mervyn LeRoy’s HEAT LIGHTNING

Posted on May 30, 2022 by robchristopher

Heat Lightning [1934] 1. “You go your way, and we’ll go the way of all flesh.” 2. She proffers her face for a kiss and he complies unenthusiastically. 3. A guitar and a voice and the heat lightning in the … Continue reading →

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3 things about Ernst Lubitsch’s TROUBLE IN PARADISE

Posted on April 17, 2022 by robchristopher

Trouble in Paradise [1932] 1. “See here, my good man. You’ve been saying good-bye for the last half hour and staying on. I wish you’d say ‘How do you do?’ and go.” 2. Giant Art Deco hall clock with built-in … Continue reading →

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3 things about Edward Cline’s MILLION DOLLAR LEGS

Posted on April 3, 2022 by robchristopher

Million Dollar Legs [1932] 1. Dismantled nightclub. 2. “You’ll always be Sweetheart to me.” 3. Double gold medals. 3 other things.

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3 things about Dorothy Arzner’s MERRILLY WE GO TO HELL

Posted on March 28, 2022 by robchristopher

Merrily We Go to Hell [1932] 1. He explains that he’s on the wagon. Immediately she mentions that if he needs it, there’s a bottle in the closet. 2. She’s powdering her nose. “I spent the morning realizing that we’re … Continue reading →

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