"I Take This Woman" is wonderfully satisfying for fans of early talking pictures, as the story is well developed, production values are excellent, we have a movie star in the female lead and a developing movie star in the male lead, and the acting is natural, compelling, and with lots of facially-revealed communication. Not only do we get to see Gary Cooper in an early starring role perfecting the aura that he later came to exemplify, we also get to see Carole Lombard play her comfortable persona of society girl extraordinaire as well as witnessing her in a contrasting role of a girl living a totally different life, one of tolerating a life in the sparest of conditions in an environment harsh beyond what she could ever have imagined.
Additionally, we have the contrasting locales, with the highest-end NY social stratum, including the finest society dances and living conditions on the one hand, and the dusty Wyoming old West style life with cows, horses, barns, bunkhouses, and cabins on the other. Wintry Wyoming conditions are brutally and drearily portrayed. We even see Circus life depicted, as well as several train scenes, including a remarkable and clever one to wrap the picture up. Ms. Lombard had such an expressive face, and she uses her body to portray feelings very well, too. And Mr. Cooper... talk about lanky. He was also a gifted actor, using his expressions to perfection. The kissing of this pair of stars was realistically and erotically passionate, too. They apparently had a lot of fun together on this one! This picture should not be missed.
Additionally, we have the contrasting locales, with the highest-end NY social stratum, including the finest society dances and living conditions on the one hand, and the dusty Wyoming old West style life with cows, horses, barns, bunkhouses, and cabins on the other. Wintry Wyoming conditions are brutally and drearily portrayed. We even see Circus life depicted, as well as several train scenes, including a remarkable and clever one to wrap the picture up. Ms. Lombard had such an expressive face, and she uses her body to portray feelings very well, too. And Mr. Cooper... talk about lanky. He was also a gifted actor, using his expressions to perfection. The kissing of this pair of stars was realistically and erotically passionate, too. They apparently had a lot of fun together on this one! This picture should not be missed.