After a two-month visit to America, Irish-accented Clark Gable (as Charles Stewart Parnell) returns to 1880 Ireland. There, he is treated like an uncrowned King. As you might have guessed, the English oppose Mr. Gable's advocacy of independence for the Irish. Gable is drawn into an uneasy political alliance with Alan Marshal (as William "Willie" O'Shea) and begins a relationship with Mr. Marshall's wife, Myrna Loy (as Katie Wood). His enemies use Gable's affair with Ms. Loy for political gain...
This fine looking MGM production is clearly dependent upon a captivating and passionate lead performance from its star. A subdued Gable is unable deliver. Distracting in his fluctuating sideburns, Gable does not excel in biographical characterizations. They should have shipped it to Paul Muni at Warner Bros. Or, made the story more exciting. This is an unexciting adaptation of the Irish hero's life. The romance with Loy is also a bore. And, the direction given by John M. Stahl makes it feel twice as long.
*** Parnell (6/4/37) John M. Stahl ~ Clark Gable, Myrna Loy, Alan Marshal, Edna May Oliver
This fine looking MGM production is clearly dependent upon a captivating and passionate lead performance from its star. A subdued Gable is unable deliver. Distracting in his fluctuating sideburns, Gable does not excel in biographical characterizations. They should have shipped it to Paul Muni at Warner Bros. Or, made the story more exciting. This is an unexciting adaptation of the Irish hero's life. The romance with Loy is also a bore. And, the direction given by John M. Stahl makes it feel twice as long.
*** Parnell (6/4/37) John M. Stahl ~ Clark Gable, Myrna Loy, Alan Marshal, Edna May Oliver