Carole Lombard: In the Thirties DVD Collection [3 Discs]

Turner Classic Movies and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment present Carole Lombard in the Thirties. Presented for the first time on DVD, these three films have been fully restored and re-mastered. (No More Orchids, 1932) Lombard plays a spoiled heiress who falls in love with a struggling lawyer despite her arranged marriage to a European prince. What begins as a screwball comedy soon segues into drama tinged with tragedy and Lombard’s refreshingly natural acting style confirms her promise as a rising star. Variety called the film, “A smart, polished production replete with good acting, smooth direction and clever lines.” Directed by Walter Lang (The King and I, 1956). (Brief Moment, 1933) The class conscious formula is reversed in Brief Moment in which Lombard stars as a nightclub singer trying to convince her rich playboy fiancé (Gene Raymond) to abandon his party-going lifestyle in favor of a respectable livelihood. Based on a play by S.N. Behrman (Waterloo Bridge, 1940), this romantic drama set against the backdrop of the Great Depression is immensely appealing and, in the words of The New York Times reviewer, “is definitely a tribute to the talents of Carole Lombard and Gene Raymond.” (Lady By Choice, 1934) The actress gets to shine in one of her best early roles as a fan dancer who adopts a feisty elderly woman (May Robson) with a police record. Inspired by the success of Frank Capra’s (Lady for a Day, 1933, which also starred Robson), this raucous farce is both an unexpected female buddy movie and a lively portrait of street-smart urbanites trying to survive tough times. The tart dialogue is courtesy of screenwriter Jo Swerling (The Whole Town’s Talking, 1935). Although her film career began in the silent era with bit parts in features and comedy shorts by Mack Sennett, Carole Lombard didn’t become a major star until 1934 when she played the female lead in Twentieth Century, one of the most popular screwball comedies of that era. Prior to that, she was mostly cast in contemporary romances or dramatic roles which showcased her elegant beauty and, at the same time, displayed her accessible, unpretentious nature. The three films in this collection offer a fascinating look at a pre-stardom Lombard at Columbia Pictures before she became known as a dazzlingly beautiful and sexy comedienne.