Crawdaddy's "Random Thoughts" about Home Video, Film & TV (1 Viewer)

[lark144]

I watched the 1931 version again tonight to refresh it in my mind. The plot and characters are all there, but the atmosphere of murky mystery is almost totally absent. Nothing comes close to the 1941 version.

I like the pre-code aspects of the 1931, the breeziness and toughness and sexiness that is part and parcel of those early 30's Warners films, as well as the way it's lit. But no, it's not very mysterious, nor is there a lot of suspense. It seems to focus more on the erotic aspects between Spade and Brigid, which is entertaining, but the plot get short shrift. And while I love Bebe Daniels, and think she makes a terrific Brigid, Ricardo Cortez is miscast as Sam Spade. Still, I was pleasantly surprised by it. It kept my attention. But no, it can't compare to the 1941 version. As far as Satan Met a Lady is concerned, the less said the better. Bette Davis is truly terrible, she can't do self-conscious, self-depreciating satire, she's so ill at ease it hurts to watch her, but why anyone would want to do that to Hammett is beyond my comprehension. From time to time, I think, it can't be as bad as I remember, so I start to watch it again, but it is. John Huston did us all a favor by talking Jack Warner into making it a third time. And I believe it also made the studio a whole lot of money, as well as turned Bogart into a star.

 

[Robert Crawford]

And I believe it also made the studio a whole lot of money, as well as turned Bogart into a star.

It also fueled the "Noir" movement!

 

[Robert Crawford]

I have to watch "Satan Met a Lady" again as I don't have nearly the negative opinion of it as you guys do. I always thought it was a rather funny take. Here are my thoughts from my last viewing which was over three years ago:

"Last night, I watched "Satan Met a Lady" (1936) which is a comedic film based on the same material as "The Maltese Falcon". This film version features a young Bette Davis and Marie Wilson. The latter's performance in the movie has always been a treat for me. I have this film on DVD including the latest release from Warner Archive back in 2015. However, I watched it this time on the TCM app and the video and audio presentations were outstanding. I have to say, Bette Davis looked lovely in this film. Her scenes with Warren William were quite funny, but not as funny as William's scenes with Wilson."

 

[lark144]

I have to watch "Satan Met a Lady" again as I don't have nearly the negative opinion of it as you guys do. I always thought it was a rather funny take. Here are my thoughts from my last viewing which was over three years ago:

"Last night, I watched "Satan Met a Lady" (1936) which is a comedic film based on the same material as "The Maltese Falcon". This film version features a young Bette Davis and Marie Wilson. The latter's performance in the movie has always been a treat for me. I have this film on DVD including the latest release from Warner Archive back in 2015. However, I watched it this time on the TCM app and the video and audio presentations were outstanding. I have to say, Bette Davis looked lovely in this film. Her scenes with Warren William were quite funny, but not as funny as William's scenes with Wilson."

I'm glad you like it. I just wish I could. It's got a great cast and a studio and director I admire.

 

[Robin9]

I have to watch "Satan Met a Lady" again as I don't have nearly the negative opinion of it as you guys do. I always thought it was a rather funny take. Here are my thoughts from my last viewing which was over three years ago:

"Last night, I watched "Satan Met a Lady" (1936) which is a comedic film based on the same material as "The Maltese Falcon". This film version features a young Bette Davis and Marie Wilson. The latter's performance in the movie has always been a treat for me. I have this film on DVD including the latest release from Warner Archive back in 2015. However, I watched it this time on the TCM app and the video and audio presentations were outstanding. I have to say, Bette Davis looked lovely in this film. Her scenes with Warren William were quite funny, but not as funny as William's scenes with Wilson."

For me, Marie Wilson is by far the best thing in the film.

 

[Matt Hough]

As Eddie stated, Sam Spade in silk pajamas doesn't cut it. Bogart nailed that role while Ricardo Cortez was too elegant in that role.

Ricardo also smiles too much in the movie. Way too much for the nasty things that are going on.

 

[RobertMG]

It also fueled the "Noir" movement!

Huston made a stunning film - has there ever been a book about the making of it?

 

[Robert Crawford]

 

[bujaki]

I like the pre-code aspects of the 1931, the breeziness and toughness and sexiness that is part and parcel of those early 30's Warners films, as well as the way it's lit. But no, it's not very mysterious, nor is there a lot of suspense. It seems to focus more on the erotic aspects between Spade and Brigid, which is entertaining, but the plot get short shrift. And while I love Bebe Daniels, and think she makes a terrific Brigid, Ricardo Cortez is miscast as Sam Spade. Still, I was pleasantly surprised by it. It kept my attention. But no, it can't compare to the 1941 version. As far as Satan Met a Lady is concerned, the less said the better. Bette Davis is truly terrible, she can't do self-conscious, self-depreciating satire, she's so ill at ease it hurts to watch her, but why anyone would want to do that to Hammett is beyond my comprehension. From time to time, I think, it can't be as bad as I remember, so I start to watch it again, but it is. John Huston did us all a favor by talking Jack Warner into making it a third time. And I believe it also made the studio a whole lot of money, as well as turned Bogart into a star.

You and I saw all 3 versions on one glorious day at MoMA, well-served in archival nitrate prints. I was also surprised by the '31 version erotic aspects between Spade and Brigid, and between Casper and Wilmer (the way Frye caressed that gun...). Then we were treated to Satan Met a Lady. Expectations were high: Dieterle, Davis, Warren William. Although we could tell it was a satire, Davis really sank it. Unforgivably bad acting, possibly her worst hour. Fortunately, MoMA kept the best for last. A magnificent vault print of the '41 classic to wash away the bad taste of the '36 version. So yes, the '41 version is the best, but the '31 has the pre-Code aspects going for it, whereas the '36 is sunk by Davis.

 

[lark144]

You and I saw all 3 versions on one glorious day at MoMA, well-served in archival nitrate prints. I was also surprised by the '31 version erotic aspects between Spade and Brigid, and between Casper and Wilmer (the way Frye caressed that gun...). Then we were treated to Satan Met a Lady. Expectations were high: Dieterle, Davis, Warren William. Although we could tell it was a satire, Davis really sank it. Unforgivably bad acting, possibly her worst hour. Fortunately, MoMA kept the best for last. A magnificent vault print of the '41 classic to wash away the bad taste of the '36 version. So yes, the '41 version is the best, but the '31 has the pre-Code aspects going for it, whereas the '36 is sunk by Davis.

I knew I saw all three somewhere, but I thought it might have been via Bill Everson at the New School. But you're right, it was MOMA, the prints were so glorious looking I even enjoyed Satan Met a Lady, which was utterly beautiful, but yes, Davis is really uncomfortable, you can tell from her awkward body posture, all her attempts at levity fall flat, and she overcompensates by frozen smiles which make death masks seem ingratiating. It's one of her few performances which doesn't work at all, as it's clear she would rather be anywhere else. But I think she was suing Jack Warner at the time, so that might explain it. Also William Dieterle, the director, known for noirs and historical dramas like The Life of Emile Zola, is not the first person that comes to mind for comedies.

 

[Robert Crawford]

Some great stuff by Eddie Muller. The Maltese Falcon was the first movie shown on "Noir Alley".

 

[Robert Crawford]

 

[Robert Crawford]

You and I saw all 3 versions on one glorious day at MoMA, well-served in archival nitrate prints. I was also surprised by the '31 version erotic aspects between Spade and Brigid, and between Casper and Wilmer (the way Frye caressed that gun...). Then we were treated to Satan Met a Lady. Expectations were high: Dieterle, Davis, Warren William. Although we could tell it was a satire, Davis really sank it. Unforgivably bad acting, possibly her worst hour. Fortunately, MoMA kept the best for last. A magnificent vault print of the '41 classic to wash away the bad taste of the '36 version. So yes, the '41 version is the best, but the '31 has the pre-Code aspects going for it, whereas the '36 is sunk by Davis.

I just watched "Satan Met a Lady" again tonight and I didn't think it was that bad, neither was Bette. Sure, it's far from her greatest acting performance, but I still enjoyed the movie and the satire in it. Marie Wilson was good, I think she wasn't even 20 years old when she played that part. I thought Warren William was pretty funny too.

 

[Robert Crawford]

Noir Alley​

MR. SOFT TOUCH ('49), a fast-paced, entertaining genre hybrid, has the interesting distinction of having not one, but two directors behind the camera: Gordon Douglas and Henry Levin.

See it Saturday and Sunday on #NoirAlley hosted by Eddie Muller.

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Noir Alley​

Fans of Glenn Ford will enjoy his touching role as Joe Miracle in this unsung and rarely seen holiday gem co-starring Evelyn Keyes. See MR. SOFT TOUCH ('49) Saturday and Sunday on #NoirAlley hosted by Eddie Muller.

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Based on Eddie's comments, now I know why I liked Mr. Lucky and Mr. Soft Touch so much.

 

[bujaki]

I just watched "Satan Met a Lady" again tonight and I didn't think it was that bad, neither was Bette. Sure, it's far from her greatest acting performance, but I still enjoyed the movie and the satire in it. Marie Wilson was good, I think she wasn't even 20 years old when she played that part. I thought Warren William was pretty funny too.

My negative opinion of Satan Met a Lady was probably colored by the fact that it followed the pleasant surprise of the '31 version, and that it was sandwiched in between the most famous version of all. Yes, I did appreciate the satire, but Davis just overacted.
Keep in mind that practically no one at MoMA had seen the '31 and '35 versions when they played in '73, were only familiar with the '41 classic, and that they played in quick succession during one day.

 

[Robert Crawford]

My negative opinion of Satan Met a Lady was probably colored by the fact that it followed the pleasant surprise of the '31 version, and that it was sandwiched in between the most famous version of all. Yes, I did appreciate the satire, but Davis just overacted.
Keep in mind that practically no one at MoMA had seen the '31 and '35 versions when they played in '73, were only familiar with the '41 classic, and that they played in quick succession during one day.

That was 50 years ago. Perhaps another viewing by itself is in order.

 

[Matt Hough]

Mr. Soft Touch was something unusual for Noir Alley: a mostly good-hearted film with a fair amount of comedy. That ending was weird: he lived? Looked like he was filled with lead.

 

[Robert Crawford]

Mr. Soft Touch was something unusual for Noir Alley: a mostly good-hearted film with a fair amount of comedy. That ending was weird: he lived? Looked like he was filled with lead.

I think the ending was left to your own volition.

 

[Matt Hough]

Percy Kilbride made me laugh every time he appeared on the screen. I liked Clara Blandick's rational way of approaching the gifts, too.

 

[Robert Crawford]

Percy Kilbride made me laugh every time he appeared on the screen. I liked Clara Blandick's rational way of approaching the gifts, too.

Both, this movie and Mr. Lucky have been personal favorites of mine since my early teens. I do wonder how I would feel about them today, if I watched them for the first time as a senior citizen that’s really a hardcore film noir fan.