“The Strange Love of Molly Louvain” & “Love is a Racket” on TCM

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Earlier this month, Paul Muni was featured as part of Tuner Classic Movies annual Summer Under the Stars. His 24 hours of programming included the two movies he made with Ann Dvorak. Tomorrow, it’s Lee Tracy’s turn and his line-up also features two Dvorak flicks.

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First up is The Strange Love of Molly Louvain (1932, Warner Bros/First National) which is airing at 11:30am PST. We’ve talked about Molly Louvain quite a bit on this website over the years, and if you’re a Dvorak devotee it’s a must. This is one of Ann’s few starring roles, this film where she hooked-up with Leslie Fenton (she would marry him within weeks), and contains one of her most memorable scenes – playing the piano while singing a scat version of “Penthouse Serenade.”

Next at 2:15pm PST is Love is a Racket, which is also a 1932 Warner Bros/First National production. Dvorak and Tracy are not the stars of this one, but they’re arguably more interesting to watch together than Douglas Fairbanks Jr. and Frances Dee who are the leads. Ann doesn’t have too much to do other than glare at Frances Dee and hang out in a bathrobe, but it is worth noting that the day after this finished filming she eloped to Yuma, AZ with Leslie Fenton.

It’s been a Dvorak filled summer which looks like it’s going to carry over into the fall. Enjoy it while it’s going!

2 Comments

  1. DickP September 8, 2014

    “The Strange Love of Molly Louvain”: I know you just love this movie. BUT, I’ve tried, believe me I’ve tried, but having Lee Tracy in this movie (or any movie) is more than a normal person’s senses can allow. Even MGM threw him out of their studio a couple years later because of his continual obnoxious attitude (and ridiculous drinking habits).

    “Love is a Racket” : nice film, Ann does well (but should have had a bit more screen time). Well worth watching!!! This movie followed “Molly Louvain”, with the more gregarious presence of Douglas Fairbanks Jr. seemingly keeping the normally obnoxious Lee Tracy in check (thankfully) to make the movie enjoyable.

    P.S.: If it sounds like I’m not exactly a fan of Lee Tracy – YOU’RE RIGHT!!!

  2. admin September 9, 2014

    I love Ann in this movie more than the movie itself. I do agree that I enjoy the first part more than the second half.

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