I think the only reason this film has a rating as high as it does is because it is a Clark Gable film and because any film with Lionel Barrymore is very watchable. 1931 was a big year for Clark Gable, as he finally got supporting and even lead roles, though none of these films were particularly good. Part of this is the material they gave him and part of it is the character "Clark Gable" still wasn't created by the studios. Many stars went through this, such as Humphrey Bogart, Jimmy Stewart and others. They just hadn't yet found their niche. So, Clark playing a gangster but a BAD gangster just isn't what his fans would have wanted by the mid-1930s---it just doesn't seem right.
Apart from this odd casting, the film is exceptionally melodramatic and predictable. While not a bad film at all, it isn't particularly good and is more of a time-passer--unless, like me, you are a major fan of Gable.
By the way, MGM remade this with William Powell as "The Girl Who Had Everything" and it was a MUCH better film--one I strongly recommend.
Apart from this odd casting, the film is exceptionally melodramatic and predictable. While not a bad film at all, it isn't particularly good and is more of a time-passer--unless, like me, you are a major fan of Gable.
By the way, MGM remade this with William Powell as "The Girl Who Had Everything" and it was a MUCH better film--one I strongly recommend.