Man Wanted

A product of Warner Bros, the 1932 classic movie, Man Wanted, is a fascinating romantic comedy film that artfully blends humor, drama, and romance to create a harmonious mix filled with interesting twists and turns. Directed by the renowned filmmaker William Dieterle, this pre-Code film stars the talented trio Kay Francis, David Manners, and Una Merkel, who together create romance and tension that keep the viewers glued to the screen.

The film centers around the beautiful and ambitious Lois Ames, played by the film's leading lady, Kay Francis. A magazine editor, Lois, is depicted as a hardworking yet independent woman whose primary focus is her flourishing career rather than familial chores and obligations. Although married to the affluent Fred Ames (Kenneth Thompson), she finds herself entangled in a web of intrigue when she hires a new assistant, Tom Sherman (David Manners).

Tom initially enters the movie as a seemingly insignificant sporting goods salesman who likes to row as a pastime. However, the course of his life takes a sudden turn when he meets Lois at a departmental store. The dynamism and dedication he exhibits catch Lois's attention who promptly offers him a job as her assistant. From mundane secretarial tasks to handling her personal affairs, Tom throws himself into his role head-on, while unknowingly falling into the complex world of the corporate ladder and emotional entanglements.

The relationship between Lois and Tom is deep and complex. As they spend more time together, they both realize that their feelings have developed beyond professionalism. In spite of Lois being a married woman, the chemistry between her and Tom is palpable, creating a romantic undertone that underscores their interactions throughout the film. Meanwhile, Lois's marriage to Fred is fast deteriorating, throwing a further wrench between the characters.

The drama is further heightened when Tom's fiancée, Ruth Holman (Una Merkel), a department store model, starts feeling threatened and insecure due to Tom's growing closeness to Lois. The characters are forced to make difficult choices, grapple with unexpected emotions, navigate personal and professional dilemmas all while ensuring that their reputations remain unblemished.

Notably, the film recreates the era and lifestyle of the 1930s perfectly with its detailed setting and excellently designed costumes. The film's cinematography ensures that viewers are taken back in time to enjoy the classic and subtle hilarity that defines early comedy movies. Dieterle demonstrates genius in building tension with humor, creating an intricate comedy film weaved with matter-of-factness and pure underlying drama.

The performances of the cast are commendable. Kay Francis, known for her sophisticated demeanor, lustrously portrays the challenges and choices of an ambitious woman caught between love and duty. David Manners is successful in bringing an empathetic portrayal of his character, flawlessly portraying the dilemmas of an ordinary man entangled in an extraordinary situation. Una Merkel’s performance is impressive as she adds another layer of complexity to the narrative with her character's fear and insecurity.

Despite its age, Man Wanted is a ageless piece of cinema that exhibits timeless themes of love, ambition, and personal choices. Audiences are ensured a rollercoaster ride of emotions with the film’s enthralling narrative combined with the smooth delivery from its cast members. For fans of classic cinema, Man Wanted holds a place as a must-watch film, showcasing the subtler, more nuanced aspects of human relationships unfolding against a backdrop of glamour, wit, and drama.