I was an hour late for the office this morning because this film led me astray this morning on TCM. The film is fast-paced and as well written for the screen as the brilliant Anita Loos could make it. Every acting talent is above par in it, with the possible exception of Ruth Hussey (whom I have never found adequate in any role - just personal opinion I'm sure). It has been mentioned that the role of Susan was played on the stage by Gertrude Lawrence (whose dozen or so film appearances leave MUCH to be desired). She might have been great on the stage, but she couldn't a candle to Crawford in film. That Crawford may or may not have patterned much of her performance after Lawrence's is moot, if she did it is a compliment to Lawrence, nothing more or less. In any event, that controversy is 65 years ago and few people live that remember Lawrence in her 1937 Broadway role: we will eternally have Crawford! In my opinion she is at times brilliant - always engaging. She infuriates, at other times amuses, and in the last scene captivates. A Rachel Crothers play, adapted by Loos, directed by Cukor, with a host of great actors/actresses in supporting roles: what could be better?
Review of Susan and God
