Risky Business

Vera Reynolds is pursued by rich Ward Crane -- very much with the blessings of her mother, Ethel Clayton -- and pursues poor country doctor Kenneth Thomson. When she shows up with the doctor and an engagement ring, Ethel decides that a weekend in the country with the doctor, his sister, Zasu Pitts, her husband and two bratty children may change her mind.

This movie from Demille Pictures is reminiscent of the sort that Cecil had been turning out half a dozen years earlier, but the director is Alan Hale, taking a break from playing Little John to sojourn behind the camera. It's also based on a story by Charles Brackett, but that, alas, is no recommendation. It's slow, there are no interesting shots, Miss Reynolds has three expressions, which are shown frequently in close-up. Indeed, the only reason to watch this is, unsurprisingly, Zasu Pitts. Miss Pitts had a reputation as a scene-stealer, and that's against seasoned professionals like Pickford. Against this crowd of poorly directed lesser talents, she's the only consistently entertaining part of the movie.

Unfortunately, she isn't enough to save this from being another forgettable B picture.