An appreciation for this version of William Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" is likely to depend on how you feel about seeing the Warner Bros. stars as its repertory company. At the time, the studio's three biggest box office draws were Dick Powell, Joe E. Brown, and James Cagney; and, they receive three of the play's meatier roles. In 1935, Mr. Brown's fey characterization of "Flute" was the film's highest praised. Over the years, Mr. Cagney's boisterous "Bottom" has risen with his in correspondingly increased stature. Most everyone, including the actor himself, has panned Mr. Powell's love-struck "Lysander".
Efforts to trim the running time couldn't make the film much of a hit, but those who saw it could tell horned teenager Mickey Rooney was going places, though his "Puck" remains an acquired taste. The beautiful Olivia de Havilland's lovely "Hermia" definitely increased her Warners stock. Ross Alexander, Jean Muir, and Victor Jory shine by being less familiar. The film's art/set design and Hal Mohr's photography of such are the film's greatest strengths. But, this is Shakespeare, after all; cinematography shouldn't be the main calling card. Mr. Mohr won an "Academy Award" as a write-in; henceforth, they were forbidden.
***** A Midsummer Night's Dream (10/9/35) Max Reinhardt ~ Mickey Rooney, James Cagney, Dick Powell, Olivia de Havilland
Efforts to trim the running time couldn't make the film much of a hit, but those who saw it could tell horned teenager Mickey Rooney was going places, though his "Puck" remains an acquired taste. The beautiful Olivia de Havilland's lovely "Hermia" definitely increased her Warners stock. Ross Alexander, Jean Muir, and Victor Jory shine by being less familiar. The film's art/set design and Hal Mohr's photography of such are the film's greatest strengths. But, this is Shakespeare, after all; cinematography shouldn't be the main calling card. Mr. Mohr won an "Academy Award" as a write-in; henceforth, they were forbidden.
***** A Midsummer Night's Dream (10/9/35) Max Reinhardt ~ Mickey Rooney, James Cagney, Dick Powell, Olivia de Havilland