He Was Her Man

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Jithin K This film would've been way better for me if it had executed a single specific scene better than it did and hadn't portrayed the protagonist as an ultimate creep you can't root for. Even the dialogues need not have changed; just the way the scene was shot and the way the actors reacted would've been enough to make that scene way better. But by doing that and the rest of the movie being leisurely paced with not knowing what the tone it is going for itself, it was also not very engaging. The ending was nice and bittersweet, with the way everyone ended up where they do. The rest of the movie didn't really feel like it earned that ending. It does feel very scandalous in every way for such an early film. This is clearly pre-Hays code with a protagonist named Hays. Rated 2/5 Stars •  Rated 2 out of 5 stars 07/29/25 Full Review Audience Member I seem to like this film more than most, maybe because of the difference in tone it presents to the usual gangster fare. It's nice to see Joan Blondell in a more subdued role, and she pulls it off well, knowing her past taints her, off to marry an immigrant fisherman (Victor Jory) who will accept her anyway, but finding herself drawn to Cagney. It's nice to see the gravitas in her 'serious face'. Cagney is in the role of a safecracker who has double-crossed some guys and is on the run, not knowing that he's being closely tracked. Innocent to all of this is the family they're staying with, who lead simple but happy lives, and who look forward to their son's marriage to Blondell. I have to say, the mom (Sarah Padden) is a joy to watch as Cagney ingratiates himself to her. Cagney and Blondell are more low-key than their usual screen personas, and this is not movie with a lot of action, but there is real tension in both the story lines - whether Blondell will go forward with her wedding, and whether Cagney will survive. The depth of their feelings does come out in more than one tender scene, and in fact, all three of them - Blondell, Cagney, and Jory - are altruistic, adding a sweetness to the movie. It seems some are unhappy with the ending as well, but I thought it was quite good (and side note, wow on the glimpse we get of the low-cut dress). I also liked how it was shot on location in Monterey, California. Underrated and enjoyable to watch. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 01/13/23 Full Review Audience Member Run of the mill programmer elevated somewhat by Cagney and Blondell. Rated 2/5 Stars •  Rated 2 out of 5 stars 02/27/23 Full Review Audience Member This was not my most favorite Cagney film, but it was definitely worth watching. There is some interesting sexual tension and marriage commentary going on here as well. Rated 3/5 Stars •  Rated 3 out of 5 stars 01/28/23 Full Review Audience Member Worst. Ending. Ever. Rated 2/5 Stars •  Rated 2 out of 5 stars 02/20/23 Full Review Read all reviews

He Was Her Man

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