She Couldn't Take It
| She Couldn't Take It | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Directed by | Tay Garnett |
| Written by | Oliver H.P. Garrett |
| Produced by | B. P. Schulberg |
| Starring | George Raft Joan Bennett Walter Connolly Billie Burke Lloyd Nolan Wallace Ford |
| Cinematography | Leon Shamroy |
| Edited by | Gene Havlick |
| Music by | Howard Jackson Louis Silvers |
Production company | Columbia Pictures |
| Distributed by | Columbia Pictures |
Release date |
|
Running time | 77 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
She Couldn't Take It is a 1935 screwball comedy film made at Columbia Pictures, directed by Tay Garnett, written by C. Graham Baker, Gene Towne and Oliver H.P. Garrett, and starring George Raft and Joan Bennett. It was one of the few comedies Raft made in his career.[1]
Plot
The film tells the story of the wealthy family Van Dyke: a frustrated patriarch Dan (Walter Connolly); his self-centered wife (Billie Burke); and his spoiled children Tony (James Blakeley) and Carol (Joan Bennett). They have constant run-ins for outrageous behavior.
Dan Van Dyke is sent to prison for tax evasion. His cellmate is bootlegger and fellow convicted tax evader Ricardi. The two men become friends and when Van Dyke dies from a poor heart, he puts Ricardi in charge of his interests.
Cast
- George Raft as Ricardi
- Joan Bennett as Carol Van Dyke
- Walter Connolly as Mr. Van Dyke
- Billie Burke as Mrs. Van Dyke
- Lloyd Nolan as Tex
- Wallace Ford as Finger Boston
- Alan Mowbray as Alan Hamlin
- Donald Meek as Uncle Wyndersham
- James Blakely as Tony Van Dyke
- William Tannen as Cesar
- Donald Meek as Uncle Wyndersham
- Frank Rice as Milkman
- Frank Conroy as Raleigh
Production
Raft and Blondell were loaned to Columbia by Paramount to make the film.
The film was originally known as Rich Man's Daughter.[2] It was B.P. Schulberg's first film in a six-picture deal he had with Columbia Pictures.[3]
Filming started 16 July 1935.
Reception
The New York Times said the film "has a clinical interest as an example of the confused resentment against the idle rich which Hollywood has been displaying lately" in which the opening scenes "offer considerable promise for a bright-faced comedy of society foibles" but which went downhill once Walter Connolly's character died.[4]
The Los Angeles Times called it "George Raft's best picture" with an "inventive scenario" and "unexpected twists".[5]
After making the film, Tay Garnett went on an around the world cruise.[6]
References
- ^ Everett Aaker, The Films of George Raft, McFarland & Company, 2013 p 66
- ^ Scheuer, P. K. (1935, Aug 21). Roma gabriel, european songstress-actress, will star in herbert operetta. Los Angeles Times (1923-Current File) Retrieved from https://search-proquest-com.ezproxy.sl.nsw.gov.au/docview/163336806?accountid=13902
- ^ COLUMBIA PICTURES PLANS 52 FEATURES. (1935, Jul 02). New York Times (1923-Current File) Retrieved from https://search-proquest-com.ezproxy.sl.nsw.gov.au/docview/101462287?accountid=13902
- ^ Sennwalk, Andrew (November 7, 1935). "'She Couldn't Take It,' a Comedy of the Idle Rich, at the Center -- 'The Melody Lingers On.'". New York Times.
- ^ Scheuer, P. K. (1935, Nov 08). Raft star of clever tale at paramount. Los Angeles Times (1923-Current File) Retrieved from https://search-proquest-com.ezproxy.sl.nsw.gov.au/docview/164525085?accountid=13902
- ^ A film director of sea tales goes after his own firsthand. (1935, Nov 03). The Washington Post (1923-1954) Retrieved from https://search-proquest-com.ezproxy.sl.nsw.gov.au/docview/150669900?accountid=13902
External links
- She Couldn't Take It at the TCM Movie Database
- She Couldn't Take It at IMDb
- She Couldn't Take It at AllMovie
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