Desire

Desire is a romantic drama film brought to the big screen in 1936 by the legendary director Frank Borzage. The film starred two of the most spectacular actors of their time, Marlene Dietrich and Gary Cooper, alongside the highly respected John Halliday. Whisking the audience away into a whirlpool of romance, laudable trickery, and sophistication, the film tastefully presented a delightful amalgamation of comedy, drama, and romance – all significant ingredients of the 1930s' cinema.

Set against the mesmerizingly beautiful monochromatic backdrop of the 1930s, Desire unfolds the intriguing story of an impossibly glamorous and subtly cunning jewel thief named Madeleine de Beaupre, enchantingly portrayed by Marlene Dietrich. The impeccable charm and sophistication Dietrich brought to this role make her character not only enthralling but also incredibly bewitching.

She is paired alongside Gary Cooper, who gallantly played Tom Bradley, an unsuspecting and innocent American automotive engineer on vacation in Europe. Known for his comfortable naturalness in delivering lines and sheer authenticity, Cooper's performance in Desire was highly lauded, and his chemistry with Dietrich was undeniably electric, effectively building up the romantic tension that serves as the film's core.

The film opens with Madeleine successfully stealing a precious pearl necklace and scheming to smuggle it out of France to avoid getting caught. In her quest to outsmart the authorities, she encounters Tom and cleverly uses him as an unwitting accomplice, planting the necklace in his pocket without his knowledge. The plot is further fueled when they set out on a journey together, following a chance encounter that introduced Tom to Madeleine's aristocratic world.

Complicating matters in a delightful twist, the story brings in the character of Carlos Margoli, played adeptly by John Halliday. Margoli is Madeleine's partner in crime who is also deeply in love with her, adding an intriguing third point to a romantic triangle that significantly contributes to the film's central conflict.

Desire beautifully balances drama with its comedic elements brilliantly incorporated into the narrative. This fraught love-story is encapsulated with quick wit, smart dialogue, and an undercurrent of humor delicately woven into the script, as Madeleine attempts to keep her secret safe from an innocent man who finds himself drawn to her while being completely unaware of her hidden motives.

Set in Paris and Spain's breathtaking locales, the film offered the audience an intimate glimpse into European elegance and charm, contributing to the sophisticated atmosphere of the narrative. The production design is top-notch, with opulent set pieces, grand costumes, detailed backdrops showcasing the richness and lavish lifestyles of its characters, and beautifully shot in black and white, which enhances the story's timeless and classic appeal.

Borzage’s skillful hand at directing is evident in the way he’s managed to approach the fable-like narrative. Known for his impressionistic approach to film-making, he sweetly navigates this adventurous tale, blending the elements of romance, drama, and light-hearted humor with a comfortable ease—notable particularly in his portrayal of the unanticipated attraction between Dietrich's Madeleine and Cooper's Tom.

The performances by the ensemble cast are the film’s undeniable strength. Dietrich is beguiling as Madeleine, bringing a certain mystique and allure to her character. She's matched step for step by Cooper, who injects his character with an appealing blend of naivety and earnestness. Halliday, on the other hand, gracefully embodies the character of the suave and shrewd Carlos, offering starkly contrasting dynamic with the lead pair.

The movie presents a narrative that heavily leans on deceit yet never loses its lighthearted touch, and an undercover love story that blooms amidst the trickery. It is a well-paced, soundly scripted, competently directed film, boasting notable performances from some of the most celebrated actors of their era. Desire, with its sophisticated humor, romantic underpinnings, and a pleasantly convoluted plot, managed to create a lasting impression on the audiences during its time and continues to be remembered as a classic film of the 1930s' Hollywood.