Where Sinners Meet (1934)

A brilliant film that helped define a genre

a film so unique, intoxicating and bizarre that it not only demands another viewing, but is also forgivable as a satirical comedy where the jokes eventually take the back seat.

It’s fine. It's literally the definition of a fine movie. You’ve seen it before, you know every beat and outcome before the characters even do. Only question is how much escapism you’re looking for.

This is one of the best movies I’ve seen in a very long time. You have to go and see this on the big screen.

"Where Sinners Meet" is an enjoyable film. However, the movie seems to lose a bit of steam about midway through it and that is why I give it a mediocre score of 6, even though it's a wildly original story--a story created by A.A. Milne--the creator of Winnie the Pooh! The film begins with two lovers racing to Dover so they can elope and run off to the continent. After all, the husband to be already has a wife--so haste is very important. However, their car develops problems and they are forced to seek refuge at a hotel...or manor home--they aren't sure what the place is. However, the two soon start to wonder if the car really was broken and if perhaps this all wasn't arranged by their host--a very strange eccentric indeed. There are LOTS of surprises in store--particularly when they find that there is another couple staying there under identical circumstances. What's next? See the film.Had the film been wrapped up quicker and not been drug out so much, I would have scored this one an 8. The acting is nice and the story very good. And, despite dragging later, it is still worth your time. Not brilliant but nice.

The Dover Road takes two pairs of adulterous lovers to the unconventional mansion WHERE SINNERS MEET.Based on a play by A. A. Milne (the creator of Winnie-the-Pooh), this forgotten little film will come as a surprise & delight for discriminating viewers who enjoy sophisticated repartee & witty dialogue. Virtually no action occurs, but there is almost endless talk on a rather high intellectual level. Except for the opening & closing scenes, the entire plot takes place at the house and grounds of a rather splendid residence in the South of England. While this only heightens the feeling of watching a filmed play, all is forgiven amid the pleasure of enjoying what the characters are saying.Clive Brook stars as the mysterious Mr. Latimer, who enforces a gentle morality upon his indiscreet house guests. Brook was an elegant actor, excellent with dialogue, who could communicate his feelings with the bare minimum of inflection or movement. Here he's given a wonderful opportunity to show his skills to advantage, starting with his eccentric entrance heralded by marching, regimented servants. Diana Wynyard, cool & crisp, adds her no-nonsense presence as a charming young woman literally halted on her road towards making a big romantic mistake.Blustery, bellowing Reginald Owen & fluttery, smothering Billie Burke portray a noble couple who each attempt to escape from their stultifying marriage. They are vastly entertaining. Alan Mowbray plays a decent yet boring chap who still has a few lessons to learn in the game of love. Gilbert Emery is properly droll as a butler with unusual skills.

In 1934, this picture with its great classic actors and crazy plot where couples were trapped in a rich man's mansion, kept the public spellbound. Viewing this film in 2004 is like viewing a silent picture and should not be taken too serious, after all it was a COMEDY to be enjoyed. Billie Burke,(Eustasia),"Three Husbands"'51, was admired and hailed as a great actress along with Alan Mowbray,(Nicholas),"I Wake Up Screaming",'41. If you like vintage films and great actors from the past, take the time and view this film and be happy that the movie industry HAS GREATLY IMPROVED !

The 1921 romantic comedy by A.A. Milne (of "Winnie-the-Pooh" fame) starts intriguingly when Reginald Owen's car beaks down on the London to Dover road, forcing him and Diana Wynyard to take lodgings for the night in a hotel nearby. But it turns out the "hotel" is not a hotel at all, but the private residence of wealthy Clive Brook, who conspires as a hobby to detain couples to prevent their hasty marriage when they take the boat from Dover to France. They become virtual prisoners because their luggage is hidden, usually for about a week, after which they are free to go. There is another couple, Billie Burke and Alan Mowbray, about to leave after a week's stay and we learn when they meet for breakfast that Owen and Burke are man and wife. So far so good, but I expected a lot more fireworks than I got after their meeting.My biggest problems were what did lovely and gentle Wynyard see in the pompous and ill-mannered Owen to begin with, and similarly, what did Mowbray see in the nagging and prissy Burke. It was a put-up job, for I sensed that Burke and Owen were more suited to each other. Still, there were a few more surprises and some laughs in store, so it pays to stay with the film until the end. I enjoyed all the first-rate acting.