Passion Flower

I just reviewed "The Show-Off" which has a similar - Irish vs. WASP thing going. In Passion Flower it is a bit more subtle, but Kay Francis is still most definitely the other - liberal, louche, a free-thinker.

In reading the other reviews, I note the historical value mentioned about the depression. This movie scores an 8 for me because of the priceless line about the battle of the sexes.

And of course it is Zazu delivering it - I think someone should gather her speaking roles in all her bit parts and string 'em together, end-to-end.

As I recall (I saw the move several years ago, but believe I watched this scene several times, I was so wowed by it), Zazu is mopping the floor and chatting "men trouble" with Kay Johnson. "I don't know about men," says Zazu. "They can be handy during the day and entertaining at night, but that's about it. I don't know about men." HANDY DURING THE DAY and ENTERTAINTING AT NIGHT? Now don't that just sum up the plight of 21st century manhood? And Zazu figured it out in 1930! Evewryone should watch this movie for that one scene. It is one of the best.

When MGM started casting for this movie, its own stars were on other assignments and hence Kay Frances was borrowed from Paramount studios to play the leading role. This movie is one for the ladies, a typical Kathleen Norris romantic novel scripted to fit into a typical Kay Frances movie. Dulce (Kay Frances) falls in love with Dan Wallace (Charles Bickford), the family chauffeur against her father's wishes. When Dan is about to divorce his wife (played by Kay Johnson), he will receive a letter form his wife and have a change of heart. Hit by the memories of his loving wife and family, he goes home for a happy ending. Dulce is heartbroken under several yards of mink. William De Mille directed this drama with Martin Flavin, Laurence Johnson and Edith Fitzgerald screenplay. Lewis Stone and Zasu Pitts are outstanding in supporting roles

Cecil's brother, William DeMille only directed one film after this one. After seeing Passion Flower, it's a wonder they let him do that one. Extremely old fashioned material made with no verve. With the exception of some lame Zasu Pitts comedy, all the performances are wooden and trite, even the usually interesting Bickford and Francis. The only moment of interest is a technical where Bickford and Francis have a discussion on a very windy hillside and the sound appears to be recorded on site. It would difficult with modern microphones, much less what they had in 1930. But it's not enough to make anyone want to sit through this rubbish.

Kay Johnson is Cassy, who marries Dan, the family chauffeur ( Charles Bickford). Dan is stubborn, and at first, won't accept any presents or kindness from cousin Dulce (Kay Francis). we sure spent a LONG time seeing how Dan and Cassy lived not accepting any kindness from others. it wasn't pretty. later, Dan and Dulce fall for each other, although they are both still married to others. Zasu Pitts is the landlord turned housekeeper, who seems to have moved in with them. she shows up now and then with town gossip. or something. when Dan and Dulce fall in love, they talk about how much they will be hurting others. even Cassy says Dan should be with Dulce if he loves her. Will things ever work out so they can be together? Dulce thinks she has things all worked out, but maybe not. some fun uncredited roles -- Aubrey Smith, always the old, stately gentleman is Man on Pier, and Ray Milland is Man with Letter. directed by Bill DeMille, brother of the more famous Cecil. he was a very successful playwright. story by Kathleen Norris.

The plot of this picture may have been fresh back when Grandma was a girl. Come to think of it, when the picture was made, in 1930, Grandma WAS a girl. But it wouldn't be surprising if HER grandmother had come across it somewhere.

It's the one about the rich girl who gives up everything to marry for love - marriage to a poor but independent, honest and reliable man who has nothing but disdain for his wife's glamorous cousin, one of the idle rich who wed a much older man for his money. Unable to escape her wiles, unable to get ahead in the world despite his strong character and earnest efforts, he leaves wife and children to join the sorceress in an aimless pursuit of pleasure here and abroad - until he comes to his senses, returns home and asks his wife's forgiveness.

Have I given away the plot? Then I won't tell you whether she takes him back.

There are fine performances by Kay Francis, Charles Bickford and Kay Johnson, and a typical featherbrained role for ZaSu Pitts that is out of place in this picture.

It is always helpful, from the standpoint of entertainment, for a story to offer a few surprises, something original that will keep the viewer wondering how things will turn out. That is precisely the kind of help this story needs.