Review of She Done Him Wrong (1933) by Cris B — 02 May 2008

It seems most people who watch She Done Him Wrong nowadays do so out of an interest to see a young Cary Grant in one of his first prominent roles (and I, confessedly, am among this group of viewers). Nevertheless, this film about the illicit behaviors of the "roaring nineties" Bowery crowd (1890s, that is) provides plenty of fare that proves dialogue is at its best when its sharp, witty, and full of double-entendres.

(Less definitely is more, even if there's more of Mae West--in everything from attitude to voice--than there was of the time's typical leading ladies). I particularly enjoy the ending, even if it leaves one wondering (about Grant's character), "what IS he thinking?!" Over all, a mildly amusing film and an unusual contender for a Best Picture Academy Award (the film is only a little over an hour long).