La francesita

More than a few movies were made in the 1930s and 1940s about a criminal going straight, and there have been some very good caper films that have involved couples. Most of those were also comedies, or had light touches with some humor. "Alias French Gertie" has something of both of those type of films, without any humor. It's also one of the very early talkies and its crudeness is evident throughout.

The production and technical aspects are raw and the acting mostly stiff, except for Bebe Daniels. But even she over compensates in one long scene of preachy dialog when Gertie dresses down her hubby, Jimmy Hartigan. Ben Lyon still shows some of the deliberate positioning and quick freezes from the silent films he made. Detective Kelcey, Mrs. Matson and other characters also show their stiffness. So, the direction isn't very good in this RKO film either.

All of these things distract from the film. And, since the screenplay itself isn't very good, it's hard to stay with this film. There just isn't much here to enjoy. This is one that might serve in a film history class to show the stages in improvements from various technical aspects, camera work and directing to acting.

One possible aside from this film might be that it's the occasion of Bebe Daniels and Ben Lyon meeting that led to their marriage in June of 1930. The couple had a very successful lifelong partnership in film, theater, radio and television. But, few people, even movie buffs, would find this film worthwhile.

Here's the one good humorous exchange of dialog.

Gertie Jones, "Say, we're heading back to town. Can we give you a lift?" Detective Kelcey, "You wouldn't take me for a ride, would you?"