Motion Picture Herald (Jul-Aug 1936)

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16 w MOTION PICTU RE HERALD August I, 1936 GORGEOUS HUSSY" TELLS GAIN motion picture production turns to the pages of history for material out of which romance and drama may be wrought. "The Gorgeous Hussy," MGM, is the story of Peggy O'Neale, innkeeper's daughter, who rose to a position ot political power and influence in the White House during the turbulent regime of "Old Hickory" Andrew Jackson. Basically, following a scheme that has demonstrated its entertainment and commercial worth in many previous pictures, the film is an intricate blending of romantic dramatic fact and fiction. The story, which is an adaptation of Samuel Hopkins Adams' novel, concerns men and women whose adventures in the romance and drama of life caused their names to be written boldly in the chronicles of their time. Providing ample opportunity for forcefully interesting characterizations, the production, in recreating the spirit and atmosphere of its locale and time, brings to the screen a notable list of players. Joan Crawford will be seen as Peggy O'Neale, the gorgeous hussy, a woman of dashing charm and ambition, adored and hated by many men and envied by women. As the production takes shape, the feeling is spreading that in this role Miss Crawford's personality and artistic talents will blossom into full bloom and that as Peggy O'Neale she will achieve the high spot of her career. Prestige of her name value is furthered by the guality of the featured players and supporting cast. Robert Taylor, who, through "Magnificent Obsession," "Small Town Girl" and "Private Number" zoomed to popularity, is the romantic hero who woos and wins the glamorous Peg in a whirlwind courtship. Lionel Barrymore plays Andrew Jackson and Melvyn Douglas is one of many men who pursued the volatile heroine only to sacrifice his love and life on the altar of her ambitions. A fourth personality of growing importance is James Stewart, recently seen in "Next Time We Love" and "Small Town Girl." The supporting • cast includes Franchot Tone, Louis Calhern, Alison Skipworth, Marjorie Gateson, Beulah Bondi, Sidney Toler, Gene Lockhart, Nydia Westman and others. Direction of the picture is in the hands of Clarence Brown, who has directed three previous Joan Crawford features, "Possessed," "Sadie McKee" and "Forsaking All Others." He also handled the recent "Ah Wilderness." Dramatic physical action is combined with the story of this alluring woman of the White House. The plot threads its way through the streets