Every once in awhile a viewer can become aware that Michael Curtiz is behind the camera on the directing chores because MANDALAY is a visual treat, every shot artistically framed.
And KAY FRANCIS fans won't be disappointed because she wears a variety of striking gowns as a woman fleeing her past as a prostitute/singer in a cabaret/brothel run by WARNER OLAND (yes, he of the Charlie Chan series).
LYLE TALBOT makes an attractive doctor for Francis to become attached to shortly after assuming a new name. His scenes of drunken despair are extremely well done and had me wondering why he never became a bigger star in the '30s.
*****POSSIBLE SPOILERS AHEAD:*****
The rogue responsible for Francis' downfall is RICARDO CORTEZ and he plays his part with a good deal of charm, although his character is definitely a villain who probably deserved the fate in store for him.
The surprising ending has Francis walking off into the sunset with her handsome doctor friend, after causing Cortez's death, thanks to pre-code freedom.
Summing up: Especially interesting for Kay Francis fans.
And KAY FRANCIS fans won't be disappointed because she wears a variety of striking gowns as a woman fleeing her past as a prostitute/singer in a cabaret/brothel run by WARNER OLAND (yes, he of the Charlie Chan series).
LYLE TALBOT makes an attractive doctor for Francis to become attached to shortly after assuming a new name. His scenes of drunken despair are extremely well done and had me wondering why he never became a bigger star in the '30s.
*****POSSIBLE SPOILERS AHEAD:*****
The rogue responsible for Francis' downfall is RICARDO CORTEZ and he plays his part with a good deal of charm, although his character is definitely a villain who probably deserved the fate in store for him.
The surprising ending has Francis walking off into the sunset with her handsome doctor friend, after causing Cortez's death, thanks to pre-code freedom.
Summing up: Especially interesting for Kay Francis fans.