I hesitate to criticize this movie because it was made in 1931, and, really, what more do you want? Clark Gable and Joan Crawford for crying out loud!
But it's way too short for what it's trying to do. Much of the interesting action is missing. Also, after the first 20 minutes or so it gets very stagey and static - with one exception where Crawford skulks around in the study. She's great and has a real flair for being hurtful when it suits her. Unfortunately, Gable is not a terrific actor to begin with, and when his character has no affectations he can fall back on, like in Mogambo or It Happened One Night, he's quite stiff.
Overall, I'd recommend this movie just as I'd recommend almost all movies made before 1939 that have made it this far.
But it's way too short for what it's trying to do. Much of the interesting action is missing. Also, after the first 20 minutes or so it gets very stagey and static - with one exception where Crawford skulks around in the study. She's great and has a real flair for being hurtful when it suits her. Unfortunately, Gable is not a terrific actor to begin with, and when his character has no affectations he can fall back on, like in Mogambo or It Happened One Night, he's quite stiff.
Overall, I'd recommend this movie just as I'd recommend almost all movies made before 1939 that have made it this far.