Review of Personal Property (1937) by James C — 10 Feb 2010

Now, who did ever think that Robert Taylor and Jean Harlow would make a good couple on screen? Certainly, not me. You see, I have always considered Taylor as a stiffy only good for cheesy melodramas, but gosh how wrong I was!

I think it was the chemistry between Harlow and Taylor mainly that made this so enjoyable. Harlow was always great, but in my opinion she wasn't always matched well. Take Rifraff for example; Harlow and Spencer Tracy. Sounds good huh? Well, to be honest I didn't find any chemistry between those two, which made the movie not more then average.

Have never seen Robert Taylor as charming, good looking and funny, as in this.

As for the story itself...it's the typical lightweight romantic comedy plot. Boy is interested in girl. Girl thinks boy is terribly annoying and intends marrying another boy for money. Finally girl ends up falling in love with the first boy.

And another plus to this movie, for having the piano-piece Frülingsrauchen (Rustle of spring) by Sinding played. One of the most beautiful piano-pieces ever composed. Check it out on Youtube and you'll get what I mean.

Trivia: The saphire ring Jean Harlow is wearing was engagement ring from her fiancé at the time, William Powell. They never married because Harlow sadly died the same year this movie was released, only 26 years old.

Anybody who has seen this movie: Wasn't Jussi Björling who was singing at the opera? Pity we couldn't see the guy...