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

The main attraction of 'Suzy' for me was the cast, namely Jean Harlow (a very charming actress who died far too young with so much more to give) and Cary Grant (have always loved him, both in comedy and drama). The story also sounded interesting, though there was the worry from the sounds of it of whether it would try to do too much, and my love for classic film, and film in general of all genres and decades, played a big factor further.

'Suzy' turned out to be a worthwhile film with a lot working in its favour, the cast being one of the main assets. It is uneven and there are a few knocks against it (story-related mainly, am not going to go into the whole lack of authenticity in the accents, decided to suspend my disbelief on that one and judged the actors by their overall performance). But generally 'Suzy' is a film deserving of more credit than it gets. It was the only feature film pairing of Harlow and Grant, and judging from their work and chemistry one does wish they did more films together.

As said, 'Suzy' is not perfect in the story. Do think it tries to do too much in balancing too many tones that it left some confused spots. The start is on the slow side.

More problematic was, as has been said, the too coincidence heavy and sometimes silly third act.

However, 'Suzy' is nicely photographed and the outtakes from 'Hell's Angel' that formed the flying sequences were exciting and didn't look cheap or stock. The music fits well and the film is directed with good balance and control. The song "Did I Remember" is one of the film's highlights. The script provokes thought and both entertains and intrigues.

Likewise with the story, which comes to life once the action gets to Paris and has fun and tension, as well as a solid pace. The tension and pathos of the character chemistry, romantic or not, really elevates the film, as does the surprisingly well rounded characters. Characters that are all round beautifully played, as said decided to ignore the accents. With accents it for me is always less forgivable when the rest of the performance isn't good. Harlow is her usual charming self and Grant is surprisingly comfortable and credible as an amoral cad (the complete opposite of his usual roles). Franchot Tone has fun in his role and Lewis Stone brings moving, understated dignity to his.

In conclusion, pretty good. 7/10 Bethany Cox

first, to comment on the other comment - I think Franchot Tone's Irish accent was entertainment enough, without Cary attempting a French one!

Anyway, I really enjoyed this film. There's no amazing, original plot and the acting is a little clunky in places, but its all done with such enthusiasm you can't help but love it!

It starts out quite formulaic - showgirl seeks rich husband, finds fake rich man etc - but the leads are so gorgeous you go with it, and then the plot takes a turn (not too subtle, but thats OK).

Once we follow our heroine to Paris, and meet Cary, it really picks up, and there's another clichéd whirlwind romance, followed by call up.

To say more would spoil the plot (though you'll spot every 'twist' a mile off anyway) but its just 'a rollicking good ride', with 3 excellent stars, and a fun script.

Just sit back and enjoy!

In my mind "Suzy" is one of the best performances by Jean Harlow, who is in virtually every scene, and who manages to underplay her role as America's sex goddess. She isn't helped by the ridiculous Irish accent of Franchot Tone nor the so-called French aviation ace played by Cary Grant with his normal British accent. Not withstanding the problems with the accents, Grant is as delightful as he always was in these 30s comedies, although this particular film is a mix of comedy, romance, and drama. Perhaps this is the only real problem with the film – in an attempt to be comedy, romance, and drama the writers give short shift to each of the elements. The comedy isn't all that funny, the drama doesn't keep you on the edge of your seat, and the romance won't win your heart. But what this film does deliver is a great performance from Harlow in one of her last films.

What a loss to films when Jean Harlow died. She was so immensely likable, with a wonderful vulnerability. In "Suzy," she marries one man (Franchot Tone) in London, believes him dead and fears she'll be arrested for his murder, runs to Paris, and ends up married to a pilot (Cary Grant).

The story was interesting, enjoyable, and poignant, but a little confusing. I sat through the entire film saying to myself, "Why did France go to war in 1936?" I knew it was supposed to be World War I - sort of - but only because 1936 made no sense at all. The clothing, however, was very '30s.

Cary Grant plays his part of a war hero and bounder very well. The sweetest scenes were between Harlow and Lewis Stone, who plays Grant's ill father.

The final scenes were exciting, with a lot of airplane footage from "Hell's Angels." Virginia Verrill dubbed Harlow's singing, and I assume Grant did his own. Interesting how people in those days sang with that very rapid vibrato.