False Pretenses

False Pretenses is an intriguing dramatic film that was released in 1935, a period in cinema during which Hollywood was shaping and defining the ground rules of the genres that we are familiar with today. The movie spotlights touching performances by Irene Ware, Sidney Blackmer, and Betty Compson, encompassing a tale of affection, deceit, and the relentless pursuit of status.

Irene Ware stars as Mary Beekman, a young, ambitious woman who strives to rise from her current status in life. She is working as a lowly waitress, but her dreams far exceed her current position. Ware delivers a powerful performance, portraying the character's determination and struggle with superb elegance. She personifies the image of an aspirational woman, grappling with oppression and social barriers, yet remains steadfast in her pursuit of success.

Sidney Blackmer stars opposite Irene Ware as Kenneth Alden, a wealthy, successful man who often struggles with the falsehoods that accompany his privileged status. Blackmer has always excelled in roles where the character undergoes an emotional rollercoaster, and this performance is no different. He manifests the inner conflict of Kenneth admirably, rendering him a character viewers will empathize with and relate to.

In this convoluted societal web, Betty Compson enters the narrative as Clarice. A woman who herself hails from high society, her path crosses with the two protagonists igniting the main conflicts in the plot. This marks another startling act by Compson, whose multi-dimensional character adds more texture to the social drama.

False Pretenses dialogue is beautifully written, encompassing a range of emotions: aspiration, despair, love, deceit, all in the quest for societal upliftment. The writers, Vera Caspary and Samuel Ornitz, have accomplished a Herculean task in their writing, providing a realistic portrayal of the class systems that were prevalent during the 1930s while keeping the story engaging and insightful.

False Pretenses is not just a story about aspiration, deceit, and love but also serves as a critique on societal norms and the class divide. It paints reality in its ruthless form, showing the lengths to which a person might go to climb the social ladder. This movie highlights the harsh truth of the world, where often, false pretenses are necessary to achieve success and status, no matter how morally wrong it might be.

The experienced hand of Charles Lamont can also be seen throughout the film. The director, responsible for helming many industry classics, uses his keen understanding of drama and storytelling to guide this story, highlighting the social issues of the time subtly without undermining the main plot. His narrative technique focuses equally on character development and story progression, making the viewers equally invested in every character's journey and making the film an engaging watch from start to finish.

What also makes False Pretenses stand out from other films from this era is the cinematography. Though black-and-white, the shadow plays and light adjustments throughout seamlessly aid in illustrating the mood of the scene, whether it's the stark differences between the two different social worlds inhabited by Mary and Kenneth, or the shock, delight, and despair on their faces at key moments. Cinematographer M.A. Anderson works within the constraints of the technology of the time to deliver something truly special.

Wade through deceptions, encounter the dark realms of the heart, and prepare to be deceived in the realm of False Pretenses. This film, released in 1935, stands as a testament to the early days of dramatic storytelling that laid the foundation for the course cinema would take in the subsequent decades. With its strong performances, striking content, and a captivating narrative, False Pretenses is one of those movies that leave us reflecting on the societal structures that continue to exist today, many decades later. It's a must-watch for those who appreciate films that delve deep into societal issues while maintaining a captivating narrative full of intrigue and drama.