Dramatic School (MGM 1938)
Production Dates: September 8, 1938-October 10, 1938
Release Date: December 9, 1938.
Credited Cast and Crew:
Luise Rainer, Paulette Goddard, Alan Marshal, Lana Turner.
Directed by: Robert B. Sinclair
Writing Credits: Hans Szekely, Zoltan Egyed, Ernest Veda, Mary C. McCall Jr. and Jacques Deval
Produced by: Mervyn LeRoy
Original Music by: Franz Waxman and Earl Brent
Cinematography by: William H. Daniels and Joseph Ruttenburg
Synopsis: When aspiring actress Louise Muban fabricates and daydreams her way through life, complications arise.
My Review: What a showcase for the 1938 crop of young MGM contract players! While this vehicle was obviously tailored for the talents of two time Oscar winner Luise Rainer, I actually found myself looking in the background for the bit players, while she was talking. Not only does Lana appear (as a red-head) as a wisecracking, cynical, would be actress, (in this day and age, her character would have been diagnosed as "ADD".) but the film also features appearances by Ann Rutherford, Virginia Grey and Paulette Goddard (who has a slightly larger role than the others). While, in my opinion, the film itself is very dull and very slow, it is definitely worth seeing for all of the up and coming young talent.
Also take a close look at Louise's partner in crime during the factory scenes. She is none other than actress Marie Blake, sister of MGM singing star Jeannette McDonald, and the future "grandmamma" on The Adams Family TV series. She would later be billed as "Blossom Rock".
Your Review: What are YOUR thoughts on this film? Contact me at Liza@lanaturneronline.com
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