"WILD GOLD" (1934)

[rmichaelpyle]

Watched something that was pretty good for an unknown, forgotten film, something called "Wild Gold" (1934) with Claire Trevor and John Boles. It's definitely just a programmer, but it moves quickly and is easy to watch. The plot's very ordinary, and Boles not cast in a part I imagine him to be in, but it still plays well. If you can imagine John Boles as a rather alcoholic mining engineer out in the boondocks, then this will be Nirvana for you. If you imagine him singing to Shirley Temple or being second banana to Irene Dunne in Fanny Hurst novel movies, then this may make you flinch. Claire Trevor gets to sing early on, and you can only imagine her later with Bogey and Robinson singing an alcoholic blues number in "Key Largo" and winning the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for it. I wouldn't run to go see this, but I'd walk and hope they don't run out of tickets. If they should, or if you just don't get there on time, go have dinner at some forgotten diner and enjoy the fruits of the country. My own personal recommendation would be Larry's 66 Diner. Cozy place.

[Midge]

I have been a John Boles fan ever since I saw him with Shirley Temple in Curly Top and The Littlest Rebel. He impressed me even more as Margaret Sullavan's married lover in Back Street. Boles was a traditional mustachioed, slick-haired musical comedy "stand and deliver" tenor who to modern viewers might seem about as exciting as the little man on top of the wedding cake. But I very much appreciate his courtliness and charm. It would be fascinating to see him out of character as a drunk, and Claire Trevor singing would be icing on the cake.

R. Michael, I like your idea of having a cozy dinner at the Diner before the show!

[rmichaelpyle]

Larry's isn't 'forgotten', however; indeed, it's the one thing I'd remember...

[Larry's 66 Diner]

Thank you, R Michael! Dinner is on the house for you! :thumbsup: