Suzy

In London, sexy blonde American chorus girl Jean Harlow (as Suzy Trent) has trouble finding work and paying the rent. Producers balk when Ms. Harlow refuses to trade sexual favors. Hoping to change her fortunes, Harlow resolves to marry a wealthy Count and walks into a moving Rolls Royce. Charming Irish inhabitant Franchot Tone (as Terry Moore) turns out not to be the vehicle's owner, but offers Harlow a place to live, with no strings attached. He's a promising inventor and seems devoted, so they tie the knot. Neither know it, but Mr. Tone's workplace ("Schmidt & Co") is, apparently, a front for German spies. After a frightening incident, Harlow relocates to Paris. The Great War (WW I) breaks out and French playboy pilot Cary Grant (as Andre Charville) joins the cast...

There is more care in having Harlow look attractive than authentically from the year 1914, and the automobile she walks into looks like a 1930s model. You'll also have to check your brain at the door a couple of times during the plot. Harlow gets two A-list leading men, as well as good support from stalwart Lewis Stone and duplicitous Benita Hume. The dubbed song "Did I Remember?" became a contemporary hit. Recalling her memorable "Dinner at Eight" (1933) exchange with Marie Dressler, Harlow is given the comic line, "Been reading a book," and disrobes early in the running time. Reportedly, the popular box office star wanted to move away from the sexpot roles and "Suzy" appears to be a compromise. Harlow is so vivacious and appealing in this neatly-produced melodrama; it's difficult to believe she would soon pass away, from kidney disease. MGM and director George Fitzmaurice showcase their star well.

****** Suzy (6/26/36) George Fitzmaurice ~ Jean Harlow, Franchot Tone, Cary Grant, Lewis Stone