vincentlynch-moonoi Films that are relatively unique deserve extra credit. And how many films do you see about power line repair men? This film also gets some extra credit for having a surprisingly strong cast: Edward G. Robinson, Marlene Dietrich, and George Raft star. Supporting actors include Alan Hale, Sr., Frank McHugh, Eve Arden, Barton MacLane, and Ward Bond.It also caught my attention because I had a cousin who did electrical work for Kodak, was electrocuted, and although he lived and was eventually sort of okay, at the time his head swelled up to almost double its normal size.I've always liked Edward G. Robinson, especially when he's not in a gangster flick. And he's very good here as a sort of common guy who is a power line worker who doesn't know how to charm women.I never cared much for George Raft, but more recently I've been reexamining him, and he was pretty good in certain types of films. And, he's very good here. They say he gave Robinson a hard time while making this film, but it doesn't show at all on screen. There's a great scene where Raft slaps Dietrich across the face...twice! It's extremely rare that I have enjoyed Marlene Dietrich in a film, but here I admit she does rather nicely, and acts like a real person.Alan Hale, Sr. is a pretty dependable character actor, but I don't feel that he shined here. And, in fact. his performance points to the biggest problem I have with this film. The electrical work crew (most of the supporting actors) act far too goofy. I can't really blame the actors, but I sure will blame the screen writers and director.When I was a kid I remember liking Frank McHugh. The older I get, however, the less impressed I have become, and he seems very limited to me.Eve Arden is here as a saloon gal, but the role is inconsequential. Barton MacLane plays the bad guy here, but his same old limited performance. Ward Bond, one of my favorite character actors, is here, too, but it's not a role with much depth.The ending of this film surprised me, and I'm surprised it was approved.

calvinnme ...it is pretty much a remake of 1932's "Tiger Shark", with the same star - Edward G. Robinson - playing the exact same part as the well-meaning but naive cuckold in this tragic love triangle. If this was the story's first time out I'd probably give it an 8.This one is worth watching because the story is fleshed out better and is a better overall movie than the original, which is unusual for a production code era remake of a precode film. The other stars will certainly be better known to most people than the original. Hank (Robinson) and Johnny (George Raft) are workers on the power lines. One night while working on the high wires, Hank saves Johnny's life, but becomes lame in one leg as a result. The power company rewards Hank by promoting him to supervisor. Meanwhile, fellow power line repairman"Pop" Duval is letting his recently paroled daughter Fay (Marlene Dietrich) stay at his house while she gets back on her feet. Fay uses those feet to walk to the nearest clip joint and get a job as a house girl - someone who flirts with bar patrons and encourages them to run up big tabs. It is implied that the girls give the guests other services as well, but in the production code era this as far as the insinuation goes.Meanwhile, Hank gets out of the hospital and is instantly smitten by Fay. When her own father is killed in a job-related accident, Hank takes it upon himself to take care of her. He gives her gifts and asks her to marry him. Fay figures that even though she doesn't love Hank that maybe this is her one shot at going straight. Meanwhile, Johnny sees right through Fay and doesn't like the view. He doesn't want to see Hank get hurt, and is always on Fay's case, before and after the marriage. However, during this eagle eye vigil, Johnny and Fay accidentally fall in love, Hank walks in on their first embrace and believes it to be one of many and "sparks fly" if you'll forgive the expression.In this story you get to see the relationships develop and build between the main characters since the movie is 30 minutes longer than 1932's "Tiger Shark", plus the production values are better and also you now have those wonderful Warner supporting players fleshing things out - Alan Hale and Frank McHugh - that weren't around in 1932. Recommended even if you've already seen "Tiger Shark".

ruefish This movie uses an ensemble cast, featuring a bubbly Edward G. Robinson (as a love-lorn man looking for the right woman) who does better work cast as the heavy. Alan Hale quips, the other cast members relate every bad pun the writer could think up about electricity, and Dietrich (we all know she won't be able to cut being a house wife...) stands around looking wooden and very bored. The "special" effects are hysterical (look for wires holding the actors up in the final storm scene), the plot formulaic and predictable and why a line man would actually go near a pole in the middle of a lightning storm is a question this movie blithely ignores. You'll be amazed at the amount of water used during the filming of this movie. Make sure you're seated near a bathroom while viewing and, if you have the opportunity to watch another film, pass this one up.

aberlour36 With a great cast and director, in the golden age of movies, one can only gasp at the failings of this film. In the first place, the casting is terrible. One has to believe that little Eddie Robinson is a brawling blue collar guy and that George Raft is also a rough, tough electrical lineman. The writing is dreadful, especially the comic relief of Alan Hale. Every move of the film is predictable. And poor Marlene! Mostly, she just simmers and smokes cigarettes. A waste of time for all concerned, especially viewers.