So much potential here, and it easily could have been a great film if the second half was as good as the first. Even if the idea for the story was not novel, it sounded really entertaining and intriguing. When Joan Crawford was on form, she blistered. So did Clark Gable, although the likeability of his characters varied he never stopped being likeable as an actor. Franchot Tone was great in the more suave roles. WS Van Dyke did some good films such as 'The Thin Man' and 'I Love You Again'.
'Love on the Run' is not one of Van Dyke's better films though, somewhere slap bang in the middle. Actually enjoyed it quite a bit on the most part and all three stars and the support are on fine form (if not at their best), but 'Love on the Run' is somewhat uneven as an overall whole. Starting off so well and with such amazing promise, but lost focus in the latter stages as a result of trying too hard. Recommendable for fans of this type of film and if seeing all the work of the actors and Van Dyke, yet not a must see.
There are plenty of good things about 'Love on the Run'. It looks attractive, especially the stylish photography with camera angles that clearly loved Crawford (without being too absorbed in her) and the truly elegant costumes, Crawford looks stunning. The sets may not be authentic and somewhat studio-bound but don't look cheap. Franz Waxman was one of the finest film composers at that time and his score is typically lush without being over-scored.. Van Dyke keeps things moving at a lively clip and it is accomplished in the first half.
As said the first half is great, full of sparkling wit, energy and charm. Surprises may not have been many but it wasn't overly predictable at the same time. 'Love on the Run' benefits greatly from a very snappy script that is full of wit and sophistication for a lot of the length. Crawford is photogenic and charm and un-forced comic timing to spare without over-acting. Gable is dashing and suave, his character is not a likeable one but Gable sinks his teeth into the role and does wonders with it. Tone is dapper and doesn't look embarrassed by his material, taking the humiliations with such easy-going charm and professionalism. The chemistry between the three looks genuine and they looked like they were having fun with each other. Donald Meek is hilarious and the supporting cast standout.
Did feel however that the second half wasn't as strong. Would go as far to say that in terms of story and execution it was almost like watching a different and inferior film with too much of a jarring gear-change. The spy subplot too often goes well overboard on the silliness to a ridiculous degree and some of the humour strains too hard for laughs and feels contrived instead.
Pace-wise, the latter stages don't have quite as much of the energy seen in the first half. Due to being bogged down by the writing not being as inspired or as natural. The second half doesn't feel as inspired in terms of its material, and some of it is very predictable as a result of doing little fresh with familiar territory.
Overall, really liked the first half but had problems with the film when it changed gear. 6/10
