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jeffrey-simmons
In consideration of the day and hour of my birth, it was declared by the nurse, and by some sage women in the neighbourhood who had taken a lively interest in me several months before there was any possibility of our becoming personally acquainted, first, that I was destined to be unlucky in life; and secondly, that I was privileged to see ghosts and spirits; both these gifts inevitably attaching, as they believed, to all unlucky infants of either gender, born towards the small hours on a Friday night. You see where I'm going.
Reviews
The Magnificent Lie (1931)
Routine Chatterton film with some fine songs
Ruth Chatterton (Poll) plays a saucy nightclub singer in this Paramount melodrama. Her love interest, a blind ex-soldier, is played by the always adequate Ralph Bellamy (Bill).
The story begins in the first World War when a shell-shocked soldier falls in love with a visiting French actress named Rosa Duchene. Apparently, no relationship occurs, but several years later, his vision failing, he still has feelings for her. After he goes entirely blind and asks permission to see Duchene, her assistants (watch for a young Charles Boyer) decide to play a trick, and have night club singer Poll pretend to be Duchene. Any more plot details would spoil the story.
If you enjoy Ruth Chatterton's singing, this is a must-see. Chatterton does three numbers and two of them are really enjoyable. Another attraction is that throughout the film, Chatterton, pretending to be Duchene, speaks and sings with a French accent. Surprisingly, her accent is quite convincing. Also, she speaks with a tough as nails Midwestern accent when not impersonating the Duchene. Still, that harsh theater English of hers does slip up at times.
For Chatterton's fans, this film is well-worth tracking down, but if you are just looking for a seedy pre-code, then steer clear of "The Magnificent Lie."
Unfaithful (1931)
Pre-Code Chatterton Film
Some would say the plot of "Unfaithful" is a bit cliché, but when it was released it probably was not as much so. Lady Fay Kilkerry (Chatterton) must sacrifice herself for someone she loves by staying married to a caddish nobleman, while she is desperately in love with a struggling artist.
Really, the plot itself is not the main reason to see this picture. "Unfaithful" is an excellent example of pre-code cinema. Chatterton shows a lot of leg and the innuendos are endless. Although not quite as racy as "Female," "Unfaithful" manages to provide a realistic look at adultery without sugar coating the issue.
Chatterton also has a wonderful song. She sings a sensual cabaret tune with a guttural African American accent at times, then mixes in her very proper English brogue. To me, Chatterton's singing, while not technically masterful, is always fun, reminiscent of Ginger Rodgers.
Good luck tracking the film down, but if you're a fan of Chatterton or Pre-code cinema, it's worth the search. Fortunately, the print that is circulating among collectors is quite decent.