Uptown New York

This 1932 independent film, made in the early days of sound, features two of Hollywood's most dependable supporting players in leading male roles--Jack Oakie and Leon Ames. Oakie rarely ever had another role that demanded so much of him emotionally and he makes the most of it, whereas Ames, best remembered today as the father in "Meet Me in St. Louis.," can't do much with the one-dimensional role of the doctor/lover. The big surprise here is Shirley Grey (1902-1981) who is perfectly cast, amazingly natural and sympathetic, in the role of the woman loved by two men. Despite her excellence, her film career as a leading dramatic actress lasted only a few years. No one seemed to have noticed how good she could be.