Double Harness (1933)

By CinemaSerf

Just in case you are expecting, from the title, some sort of equine shenanigans - then think again. This is quite a clever romance all about money and trust - or lack of/need for both. Ann Harding ("Joan") marries wealthy playboy William Powell ("Fletcher") and it is clear from the outset that his money is her prime motivation. He seems content enough with the arrangement, has a mistress and they agree that after a suitable period, they will divorce. Of course, it doesn't quite turn out that way and John Cromwell manages to take an ordinary melodrama and inject some panache into it. Both stars are on good form, the writing is subtle, humorous and does much to keep the characterisations engaging (if not especially likeable). Henry Stephenson puts in a good turn as her father, as does her almost as venal sister "Val" (Lucille Browne). It's a variation of an oft told story, nothing greatly new - but it has a charm about it that I found just a bit better than I was initially expecting.