Sunday, October 2, 2011

THE MONTIES: 1933 - Jean Harlow drops a BOMBSHELL and picks up a Montie

I know originally I started my Monties with the year 1934, but now going back I realized I had saw enough films and performances for the year 1933 as well as 1932. So let me rectify that situation now by presenting the winners of the 1933 Monties..which feature a certain blonde bombshell picking up her first Montie.

BEST FILM:


42ND STREET - WINNER
THE INVISIBLE MAN
BABY FACE
DINNER AT EIGHT
BOMBSHELL
GOLD DIGGERS OF 1933 
LITTLE WOMEN
QUEEN CHRISTINA

One of the most entertaining musicals ever, 42nd Street grabs a Montie. With a spirited cast including Warner Baxter, Dick Powell, Ruby Keeler, Ginger Rogers, Bebe Daniels, George Brent and Una Merkel, this is one of my all time favorite films. As I like it just a little more than Gold Diggers of 1933. Any other year I would have given the Montie to that film, but for 1933, 42nd Street is the clear winner.

BEST DIRECTOR:
The Director

LLOYD BACON - 42ND STREET
ALFRED E. GREEN - BABY FACE
GEORGE CUKOR - DINNER AT EIGHT
MERVYN LEROY - GOLD DIGGERS OF 1933 (WINNER)
JAMES WHALE - THE INVISIBLE MAN

I'm going to go with Mervyn Leroy with his expert direction of Gold Diggers of 1933. Managing all that talent under one roof had to be quite the task and he pulls it off wonderfully.

BEST ACTOR:
Claude Rains

CLAUDE RAINS - THE INVISIBLE MAN (WINNER)
JOHN BARRYMORE - DINNER AT EIGHT
LEE TRACY - BOMBSHELL
WARREN WILLIAM - GOLD DIGGERS OF 1933
WARNER BAXTER - 42ND STREET

Now you get to see real acting on display as Claude Rains gives a tremendous performance as the scientist who loses his mind after becoming invisible. Now you don't see Claude's face much in this film thanks to bandages or optical effects but it's his voice and mannerisms all on display. And it's a treat to watch...err...hear. Congrats Claude on your first Montie.

BEST ACTRESS:
Jean Harlow

BARBARA STANWYCK - BABY FACE
JEAN HARLOW - BOMBSHELL (WINNER)
JOAN BLONDELL - GOLD DIGGERS OF 1933
KATHARINE HEPBURN - LITTLE WOMEN
GRETA GARBO - QUEEN CHRISTINA

This was really between two women: Barbara and Jean. In the end, the Montie goes to Jean for her terrific turn as movie star Lola Burns who life is in a constant tizzy. Harlow is full speed ahead here and more than deserves a Montie. Sorry Babs. Your time will come.

I will be back shortly to present Monties for the year 1932.

1 comment:

  1. Oh my! I almost got a heart attack when I saw that Claude Rains picture!! Sooooo glad he won a Montie!! Yay for Mr. Rains!!!!!

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