Traveling Husbands (1931)
A salesman gets in trouble with a party girl and a debutante in Detroit.
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Pretty Good
Memorable, crazy movie
Good concept, poorly executed.
The film may be flawed, but its message is not.
This RKO precode is a restrained affair, in which much more is implied than directly shown and stronger for that delicacy. It plays nicely with the perception of drummers as a licentious bunch and we do get to see a lot of partying. The script, however, is more about the loneliness of the salesmen and their sense of isolation. Several actors who in just a few years would be reduced to supporting roles, like Hugh Herbert and Frank McHugh, are given a chance to act and Evelyn Brent gives a typically excellent performance.The technical issues are well handled by Leo Tover, who would be Oscar-nominated several times in his career. He handles the camera beautifully and lights scenes dramatically when they call for it. A kind word should be offered about the uncredited editor, who sets up the process shots beautifully and seamlessly. There is a great montage shot that shows the wild abandon of the party scene that is a model for the effect.