Double Harness (1933)

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Siskoid
I'll watch anything with William Powell, but it's Ann Harding I discover in Double Harness, a short pre-Code relationship drama that's quite honest about courtship and marriage. Some will call it cynical, but no matter how pragmatic Harding's character is about the "business of marriage", or how untrustworthy Powell's caddish bachelor is, love and commitment find a fertile environment in this particular couple. Of course, there are difficulties. The ease with which they might get divorced, a woman from Powell's past, and Harding's spoiler of a sister, whose subplot comes crashing rather effectively into the main story. If Harding carries the piece, it's largely because Powell is an underwritten, unknowable figure. In lesser hands and eyebrows, he might be a total mystery. But still, his changes of heart seem fickle, as there are no scenes to set them up. Sometimes we get an explanation, sometimes we don't. The movie is convinced they are perfect for each other, but how does HE come around to it? I liked it, but at 69 minutes, there was room for a little more meat. 3 years 12 months ago