Review of Gambling Lady (1934) by Antonius B — 11 Mar 2017
Barbara Stanwyck, Barbara Stanwyck, Barbara Stanwyck. Barbara Stanwyck. That's probably all you need to know, but I will add a few more words. The premise here is that she's a gambler, always playing by the rules, and with luck and skill always coming out on top.
She decides to get married to a rich guy played by Joel McCrea, but faces obstacles first in his father (C. Aubrey Smith), and then in his ex-fiancé (Claire Dodd). Meanwhile, he gets a taste of jealousy himself when Stanwyck helps out an old friend (Pat O'Brien).
The double standard is on full display here, but it's nice to see Stanwyck's character so strong, in addition to being honorable. She's a tough talking woman who "plays the game straight".
She has such a range in her eyes and facial expressions that she lights up films which would otherwise be far less interesting. I always love C. Aubrey Smith too - such an iconic character himself - and the dialog in the movie is sharp and snappy.
The ending gets a little melodramatic and the final scene has one of the most awkward kisses I've ever seen, with the father standing right behind the couple, but that just adds to the quirkiness of this old film.
This review of Gambling Lady (1934) was written by Antonius B on 11 Mar 2017.
Gambling Lady has generally received mixed reviews.
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