This Day in Ann Dvorak History: Ann Finishes “Midnight Alibi”
Year of Ann Dvorak: Day 94
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On April 4, 1934, Ann Dvorak finished up her scenes opposite Richard Barthelmess in Midnight Alibi. Ann’s role was a sparse leading lady one, and she worked on the film for only two weeks. By this time she had been back in Hollywood for a year following a lengthy honeymoon which had not been approved by Warner Bros. Upon her return, the studio let her stew for nearly six months before casting her in anything, but seemed to be trying to make up for lost time as Midnight Alibi was her sixth film in less than seven months.
Overall, I think Midnight Alibi is watchable enough, though anyone viewing it for Ann will certainly be disappointed. Even if you don’t want to watch the film, be sure to check out the goofy trailer that seemed to be promoting the film as a screwball comedy.
I only get a blank box, no trailer??.
Should be working now.
Working Great now. Thanks!!
This is not one of my favorite Ann Dvorak movies. Not because there was anything wrong with Ann‘s effort. But, it’s a combination of a Damon Runyon story coupled with Richard Barthelmess being stuck in a role of a tough guy which certainly didn’t suit his type of acting. Plus, you get the feeling that everyone was just “saying their lines†with limited emotion displayed. One nice thing is the cute twist at the end of the film regarding the elderly lady (No, won’t give away the mystery – buy the DVD and find out!). Another somewhat annoying item is that the make up artist and the hair stylist for Ann in this picture certainly could have done much, much better. MUCH BETTER!!
That’s pretty much it, once you’ve seen a few Runyon stories you’ve pretty much seen them all, which leaves it up to the actors to carry the load. Too bad they didn’t cast a leading man that didn’t come across so much of a “wimp†of a “Tough guyâ€. Barthelmess did a much better portrayal in “Massacreâ€, but here he just doesn’t fit the part well; at least in my humble opinion.
I like the stuff with the old lady and the flashbacks. Guess I’m a hopeless romantic. Ann is completely wasted in this one.
YES!!! Without the “old Doll” this movie would have been a total disaster.