jarrodmcdonald-1
I think I prefer this version over MGM's remake, which was made eight years later with Greer Garson in Ann Harding's role. What makes this one work so well is the perfect casting-- Robert Montgomery is excellent as a guy who wants to prove to the girl of his dreams that she's wasting her time on a married man (Frank Morgan); Myrna Loy plays the girl whose warped morals send her down a somewhat destructive path; and of course, Ann Harding is the other lady she meets whose marriage and home are threatened by it all. There are superb supporting performances, too, including Alice Brady as a larger-than-life busybody who serves as a hostess of sorts; and we even have Sterling Holloway in an amusing golf course scene. Despite the talkiness of the script which betrays the story's stage origins, there is a lot going on-- with all of them experiencing epiphanies about where they are in relation to each other and what they want from life. But I would say the best part is the scene where Loy and Harding sit down to talk about a chapter that Loy is writing for a book. The chapter is about the affair the main character is having and what she would say to her lover's wife. Of course, Loy is writing about herself and at this point she doesn't know Harding's true identity, and Harding hasn't figured out she's the wife in the book. There is just such a great deal of irony and it's like a scene in a therapist's office in a way, with the women probing into their own consciences about what love means or what it could mean.
wes-connors
New York City reporter Robert Montgomery (as Jimmie Lee) is in love with novelist Myrna Loy (as Mary Howard), but she won't accept his marriage proposals. She's in love with married publisher Frank Morgan (as Rogers Woodruf). In order to make Ms. Loy jealous, Mr. Montgomery persuades Mr. Morgan's wife Ann Harding (as Clare) to pose as his love interest "Mrs. Clara Clare". Loy's socialite friend Alice Brady (as Bridget Drake) offers advice and plays host to the cast at her country home. Rachel Crothers' sophisticated stage play retains a few amusing elements, after all these years. Would like to have seen more of Ms. Brady with companion Martin Burton (as Walter Manners). Enjoyed seeing Sterling Hayden as a caddy spreading hay fever.***** When Ladies Meet (6/23/33) Harry Beaumont ~ Robert Montgomery, Myrna Loy, Ann Harding, Alice Brady
misctidsandbits
Hey, I like both versions of this film. Not into parsing them either. The assembled talent, story, parts, clothes, set. This is the kind of movie I like to watch multiple times. First, watch the movie through. Then, maybe follow separate characters through. There's a lot going on. Then, watch the clothes. Then, check out the house, furniture, etc. There was so much style put into these. All of these elements are what made these 30's and 40's films so special. I don't understand why all the comparisons and nitpicking. This film has a lot to enjoy. It's entertainment, folks. If you don't find something so, leave it alone. Simple enough.
Kalaman
I had a blast watching this sparkling and affable MGM classic - the first and best adaptation of Crothers' luridly sophisticated play, beautifully shot in black and white with some stylish Cedric Gibbons art direction. Elegant and effervescent, this pre-Code film is a triumph of casting: Myrna Loy, Ann Harding, Robert Montgomery, Alice Brady, and Frank Morgan all in top form. Loy is surprisingly enjoyable as the lady novelist Mary who is deeply in love with the publisher Rodge (Morgan). I agree Ann Harding steals the show; she never looked beautiful and radiant as the wife of the publisher. Alice Brady is a revelation as the whimsical society matron Bridget. The film sometimes feels too gabby but it is aided by the stars' charisma and a tremendously witty dialogue.
AD
