It is a shame that Ruth Chatterton is not more widely known today, despite gaining appreciation overtime, or didn't have a bigger career. She had the presence and appeal to have one and make more films. Have liked a lot of what Michael Curtiz has done, cannot rave about 'Casablanca', 'The Adventures of Robin Hood' and 'Mildred Pierce' especially enough. Do like many films from the 30s and a lot of pre-code content has been known to amaze me.
Was not sure about the premise at first and the title wasn't the most interesting one in the world, with the worry that it would be distasteful, but Chatterton and Curtiz convinced me enough to see 'Female'. It turned out to be much better than expected, gets away with a lot and isn't distasteful. Though in my view the first half is better than the second, the second is still very watchable despite the ending being disappointing but the first half is more inspired and entertaining.
'Female' is beautifully made, absolutely loved the production values. Very elegantly and stylishly shot with gorgeous art direction and costuming. Curtiz, assisted too by an uncredited William A. Wellman, directs skillfully as usual. The script is snappy and witty, the racier lines even sparkling. Was really amazed by how much the film gets away with. The first half of the story is on the silly side but it is also always engaging, surprisingly tough as nails and enormously entertaining to watch.
Chatterton gives a performance full of spunk and charm, her character could have potentially annoyed but she makes the character interesting and fun to watch. George Brent doesn't have as interesting a character but he provides some nicely subtle male lead support, with some nice chemistry with Chatterton (didn't think he was dreary at all). Johnny Mack Brown is amusing, and the seduction scene is a highlight.
The pace does slacken a bit in the second half and the material doesn't feel as inspired.
Biggest problem for me was the ending, very forced, with a character change that makes no sense at all, and too much of a rushed cop-out. Really do not like endings like that and have noticed that a lot in pre-code films and melodramas recently.
Overall, entertaining with a great first half but uneven second half. 7/10
Was not sure about the premise at first and the title wasn't the most interesting one in the world, with the worry that it would be distasteful, but Chatterton and Curtiz convinced me enough to see 'Female'. It turned out to be much better than expected, gets away with a lot and isn't distasteful. Though in my view the first half is better than the second, the second is still very watchable despite the ending being disappointing but the first half is more inspired and entertaining.
'Female' is beautifully made, absolutely loved the production values. Very elegantly and stylishly shot with gorgeous art direction and costuming. Curtiz, assisted too by an uncredited William A. Wellman, directs skillfully as usual. The script is snappy and witty, the racier lines even sparkling. Was really amazed by how much the film gets away with. The first half of the story is on the silly side but it is also always engaging, surprisingly tough as nails and enormously entertaining to watch.
Chatterton gives a performance full of spunk and charm, her character could have potentially annoyed but she makes the character interesting and fun to watch. George Brent doesn't have as interesting a character but he provides some nicely subtle male lead support, with some nice chemistry with Chatterton (didn't think he was dreary at all). Johnny Mack Brown is amusing, and the seduction scene is a highlight.
The pace does slacken a bit in the second half and the material doesn't feel as inspired.
Biggest problem for me was the ending, very forced, with a character change that makes no sense at all, and too much of a rushed cop-out. Really do not like endings like that and have noticed that a lot in pre-code films and melodramas recently.
Overall, entertaining with a great first half but uneven second half. 7/10