This movie is a great example--of one of the best--of Pre-Code film-making in the early 1930s. Warren William plays an incredibly unscrupulous businessman who controls a high-rise building in New York. He's having an affair with his married assistant, lusts after secretary Maureen O'Sullivan, cheats all of his business partners, and illegally manipulates stock prices, leading to a startling and tragic end. There's also great support from Anita Page and Verree Teasdale.
Along the way is some of the most raw and racy pre-Code stuff around, including leering sex and some very lively dialogue. My only objection is Norman Foster's character, who is so clumsy and oafish that he makes Jerry Lewis look tame by comparison. Still a great experience, just listen carefully for some very off-color remarks by William.
Along the way is some of the most raw and racy pre-Code stuff around, including leering sex and some very lively dialogue. My only objection is Norman Foster's character, who is so clumsy and oafish that he makes Jerry Lewis look tame by comparison. Still a great experience, just listen carefully for some very off-color remarks by William.