I simply can't let the '31 version slide based on the old "it's an early talkie" line anymore. If it had been made in 1929, I probably would grit my teeth, but by 1931, there were very fluid films being made in comparison, including Mamoulian's APPLAUSE from 1929.

There are things about the March film that I admire greatly—the makeup, the special effects, the set design, some of the camera technique used in the film, but the dialog is inarguably corny, even by 1931 standards. That whole opening POV shot can go—it's "smart," but totally pointless. The film is begging for a score. These are major faults that I felt were corrected greatly in the Tracy film. I don't think the MGM version is sanitized in any way (the dream sequence with Bergman and Turner, nude, being whipped like horses is incredibly S&M for 1941), and was reportedly trimmed quite a bit in its own right.

And speaking of cut, the '41 version on the DVD is missing a number of shots/bits of dialog.  I'm usually not that nitpicky, but this seems to be a major oversight on WB's part, since the footage does exist elsewhere and some of the dialog carries a bit of weight.

Last Edited By: TServo4 Oct 6 10 12:23 PM. Edited 2 times.