The Smart Set

Only William Haines, back in the day, could pull something like this off. Haines was MGM's resident ego maniac, always in trouble wise guy -- in search of a gal pal. And he usually got her, after a lot of friction.

This is fun stuff, and after all these years. Haines actually was the mold for so many slick, smart guys to come, though, in a way, you still liked this guy because he was the one to watch, getting in and out of trouble with the greatest of ease. And didn't we all know someone like that as kids, too?

Here, Haines plays Tommy Van Buren who has the good fortune(?) to join the US polo team. That in itself is absolutely amazing. Of course he is drawn to a beautiful girl and sets out, in his own outrageous way, to make a shambles out of everything for both him and her. That's about the best way you can put it, and the pattern for so many of Haines films to come. He cranked them out on a regular basis into the 1930s.

It's a long and adventurous way to the end, so buckle up and have fun watching this practical joking, smooth operator do his thing. Also this is a neat historical trip thru Hollywood, filmed on location in the late 1920s, with some landmarks that are still there after all these years.

A salute to the great William Haines, who is missed.

A film you will want to see again, restored dvd by MGM.

... but this time the movie disappointed and it was due to Haines' performance. His mugging and manic energy were over the top; who would do more than tolerate this person, if even that? Yes, he's handsome and phenomenally talented with polo, we are told per the movie, and I was prepared to enjoy this movie despite its formulaic plot. What I came away with was, of all things, an appreciation of Jack Holt and polo playing! Holt showed his horse mastery well, and since the sport of polo is intriguing and one I enjoy watching without understanding much of it at all, that entertained me. Sorry, Mr. Haines, but your leading lady's attraction to you mystifies me and it never had before in your films. I am rating this 6 stars because of the high production values and, well, polo.

Despite his vast popularity 90 years ago, Mr. Haines is best described in today's terms as insufferable. I have many of his films on my hard drive due to the fact that MGM put him opposite most, perhaps all, of the reigning beautiful actresses of that time. This go round it was Alice Day's turn and a rare opportunity to see her in good quality up close. Her party dress was completely over the top in flapperism and her cloche hats were superb. The automobiles were great, that Packard roadster can come home and live in my garage! Did you notice how reliable old Jack Holt had a hairline which varied from scene to scene? Worth watching this movie as an exemplar of MGM at the pinnacle of its silent craft. Spoiled by the endless mugging of you know who.

I miss silent movies. Even setting aside that the medium lost something (or many somethings) after transitioning to talkies, the least that could be said is that getting a peek into a world of another era, with the values of another era, is fascinating. Being so far removed from the Roaring Twenties there are of course nonetheless many themes and ideas that are timeless, holding true decades later for better and for worse, but it's also the case that even characters who wouldn't be remotely sympathetic in a modern title - such as, say, the self-absorbed athlete of a sport that's known as recreation for the very wealthy - can be made amusing (to one degree or another) through the lens of the past. And so we have 'The smart set,' produced by titanic figures Louis B. Mayer and Irving Thalberg and released in 1928. Even within only the first several minutes there is much to take in in all the above capacities, and I can't say that it's not enjoyable.

For sure, protagonist Tommy is smarmy, conceited, and unlikable, thoughtlessly putting others at risk and actively disregarding norms, laws, and others' wishes and well-being. He's indistinguishable from the worst of modern men; gag me with a spoon. Yet this flick is built as a comedy, and between the contributions of all involved, it quickly shows itself to be a mild delight. It would be more so if Tommy weren't such a complete ogre - I mean, good grief - yet Byron Morgan penned smart, flavorful, peppy scene writing to fill out the narrative of a buffoonish man in desperate need of self-realization, self-awareness, and redemption. Robert Hopkins, serving up the intertitles, similarly provides some sharp, clever dialogue (and expository slides). This is to say nothing of the spirited acting of the cast, including above all William Haines (Tommy) and Alice Day (Polly), and the capable direction of Jack Conway that maintains a zestful spark about the proceedings.

From top to bottom the writing is full of personality (some really awful personality, but still), and that is unfailingly brought out in the direction and acting. No matter the complexity of stunts or any given sequence, all are orchestrated and executed with a deft, skillful hand, including the polo scenes, which are surely a credit as well to the horses and their trainers. To that same end, cinematographer Oliver T. Marsh illustrates a keen eye for detail just like filmmaker Conway, and we're sure at all times to get eyefuls of that which will meaningfully advance the story and/or add to the fun to be had. Even Sam Zimbalist's editing is notably admirable in my opinion. Of course the crew operating behind the scenes also turned in fine work, including sets, costume design, and hair and makeup, not least in visualizing a bygone era. Provided we can abide how loathsome the protagonist is on his rocky, pothole-ridden path to being even a slightly decent person, is there actually anything amiss in this picture?

Well, there's this: over the course of seven reels, this takes a long, long time to move the needle even a little from deep, deep in the territory of "Tommy is a despicable beast" to the nearest border of "maybe there's hope for him after all." Even at that, it seems to me that while it's all played for gentle entertainment, the humor relies heavily on an ugly mean streak at least as much as if not more than on silliness or wit. Tommy gets away with behavior that he never, ever should, in any timeframe or context, and we as an audience are supposed to find it funny? We're supposed to accept that someone so ghoulish would in any reality be fawned over by women, or should gain sympathy - from anyone - before he demonstrates the slightest contrition? After everything he did we're supposed to extend total forgiveness when, within only the last quarter of the length, he starts to show glimmers of humanity? For good measure, add in late, small moments of racist stereotyping, and a racist joke. Oof.

Suffice to say that by the values of any decade, I believe 'The smart set' is far too willing to give our protagonist a pass for his grave flaws, and is far too willing to accept him back into the good graces of civilized society. The allowances we extend for suspension of disbelief, for fiction, and for comedy only go so far. Still, we do get a character arc, and a duly compelling story, and we do have a good time as is intended. It bears repeating that all involved did a swell job, including the stunts (even through to the end), and inasmuch as this is a sports film, the exhibition is unexpectedly splendid, too. I have problems with this title, but it's still worthwhile on its own merits even almost a full century later. Even if you're wholly enamored with the silent era, as I am, I don't think there's any need to go out of your way for this, but even as you should be aware of the issues on hand 'The smart set' is fairly deserving if you have a chance to check it out.

Smart Set, The (1928)

** (out of 4)

An obnoxious polo player (William Haines) thinks he's God's gift to everyone so he starts bothering the girl of his dreams (Alice Day), which doesn't sit too well with her boyfriend (Jack Holt). While the polo player gets on everyone's nerves, nothing really happens until he's kicked off the team, which makes the man think about his ways. This comedy isn't too good and is only really remembered for its actor Haines. Haines, an open homosexual, had his career ended by MGM when he refused to break up with his boyfriend but he went on to find fame as an interior decorator. I had heard mixed things about this film but it certainly didn't work for me. Haines' character is so damn obnoxious and mean you want to see him get the hell beat out of him and his "change" comes so quick that it's not believable for a single second. Alice Day doesn't lend much to her role either but Holt is pretty good in his small, supporting role. The comedy is pretty light and mainly relies on Haines bothering everyone, which again is annoying and not funny.