Suzy is a 1936 American drama film directed by George Fitzmaurice and starring Jean Harlow, Franchot Tone, and Cary Grant. The film was partially written by Dorothy Parker and is based on a novel by Herbert Gorman. In the movie, Jean Harlow plays the role of Suzy, an American showgirl who is in London hoping to marry a wealthy man. She falls in love with and marries Terry Moore (Franchot Tone), but they stumble upon a German plot, and her husband is shot by a mysterious woman. Suzy then flees to Paris, where she meets and marries the French flying ace Andre Charville (Cary Grant). The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Song, "Did I Remember?".
Plot
The plot of the 1936 film Suzy revolves around a struggling chorus girl named Suzy (played by Jean Harlow) who is in London hoping to marry a wealthy man. She falls in love with and marries Terry Moore (Franchot Tone), but their happiness is short-lived when Terry is shot by a mysterious woman. Believing that a German spy has killed her new husband, Suzy flees to Paris, where she meets and marries a World War I pilot named Andre Charville (Cary Grant). However, Andre's carefree ways bring unexpected results.
Trailer
https://inleo.io/threads/view/taskmaster4450le/re-leothreads-74j5o8me
Cast
- Jean Harlow as Suzy Trent
- Franchot Tone as Terry Moore
- Cary Grant as Andre Charville
- Lewis Stone as Baron Charville
- Benita Hume as Diane Eyrelle
Additional uncredited roles in the film include:
- Dennis Morgan as Lieutenant (credited as Stanley Morner)
- Robert Adair as London
- Agostino Borgato as Bearded Old Man with Watch
- Tyler Brooke as Raoul
- Harry Cording as Madame Eyrelle's Chauffeur.
Genre: Drama
Director: George Fitzmaurice
Theme
The theme of the 1936 film "Suzy" is a mix of romance, espionage, and war-related themes with aerial battles thrown in. The film revolves around a chorus girl named Suzy who falls in love with and marries Terry Moore, but their happiness is short-lived when Terry is shot by a mysterious woman. Suzy then flees to Paris, where she meets and marries the French flying ace Andre Charville. The film is set during World War I, and the theme of war and espionage is prevalent throughout the story.
Reception
The reception of the 1936 film "Suzy" was generally positive, with the movie being seen as an ambitious attempt to blend comedy, romance, and drama around the iconic actress Jean Harlow. The film almost succeeded in this endeavor, showcasing Harlow's talent and charm. Despite some mixed reviews, "Suzy" was appreciated for its engaging storyline and the performances of the cast, including Jean Harlow, Cary Grant, and Franchot Tone.
Production Challenges
The production of the 1936 film "Suzy" faced some challenges. One notable challenge was the replacement of Greta Nissen by Jean Harlow for the role. Originally intended as a silent film, it had to be reshot as a talkie, adding complexity to the production process. Additionally, several directors left the production, leading to Howard Hughes eventually taking over. Despite these challenges, the film managed to overcome obstacles and was completed with Jean Harlow in the lead role.
Setting
The settings of the 1936 film "Suzy" are primarily in London and Paris, with the storyline transitioning between these two iconic European cities. The film captures the essence of both locations, showcasing the glamour of London and the romantic allure of Paris as backdrops to the unfolding drama and romance in the plot.
Visual Styles & Techniques
The visual styles and techniques in the 1936 film "Suzy" encompass a mix of genres, including romantic-comedy, wartime spy thriller, and musical elements. The film's visual style captures the essence of the era it portrays, blending elements of romance and espionage against the backdrop of World War I. Additionally, the film features elaborate costumes and sets that add to its charm, with Jean Harlow's performance shining through despite some challenges in the production process. The movie's attempt to combine various genres and its use of aerial footage reminiscent of "Hell's Angels" contribute to its unique visual appeal.
Trivia & Fun Fact
- Casting Changes: The film originally intended to cast Greta Nissen as Suzy, but she was replaced by Jean Harlow.
- From Silent to Talkie: "Suzy" was originally intended as a silent film, but it had to be reshot as a talkie due to the advent of sound in cinema.
- Directorial Changes: Several directors left the production of "Suzy", leading to Howard Hughes taking over.
- Cary Grant's Blander Role: In "Suzy", Cary Grant's performance is described as blander than usual, with some critics suggesting that he struggled to deliver lines written by Dorothy Parker.
- Aerial Footage: Some aerial footage from Howard Hughes' earlier film "Hell's Angels" was reused in "Suzy".
- Genre Blending: The film combines elements of comedy, romance, drama, and wartime spy thriller, with aerial battles and elaborate costumes and sets.
- Real-Life Inspiration: The film's plot is said to be inspired by real-life events in Old Hollywood, adding an extra layer of intrigue for fans of classic cinema.
General:
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