Personal Property

Personal Property is a 1937 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer romantic comedy film directed by W. S. Van Dyke and starring Jean Harlow, Robert Taylor, and Reginald Owen. The film primarily revolves around themes of romance, comedy, and subjectivity of personal, material wealth. Set in London's high society of the 1930s, Personal Property provides a delightful and engaging narrative that keeps the audience captivated, all the while exemplifying the charm and glitz of filmdom of its time.

Jean Harlow plays the sparkling and quick-witted Crystal Wetherby, a widow with a flair for style and elegance. As a woman of independent mind and soul, she has recently inherited her late husband’s estate that has been burdened with massive debts. Struggling with the possessions and the debts left behind by her husband, Crystal is torn between her extravagant lifestyle and financial ruin.

Robert Taylor, the dower duke Raymond Dabney, imprisoned for his reckless behavior often incurring public nuisance, finds himself in dire straits as he is released from prison. Living under the shadow of his successful older brother Claude, excellently portrayed by Reginald Owen, Raymond yearns to break free from his past. Underneath the veneer of the rebellious black sheep, Raymond is a person of exceptional kindness and sensitivity, always eager to help someone in need.

The plot unfolds as the Dabney household hires Raymond to act as Crystal's butler, with the hidden motive of keeping a watch on her actions and intentions. This is because his brother Claude now eyes Crystal’s wealth and is prepared to pay her debts to marry into the fortune. Unaware of this plan, Crystal welcomes their new butler into her life, unaware that this will lead to a series of comedic misunderstandings and romantic sensations.

The film explores the rich world of 1930s high society with its playful banter, sophisticated parties, and the comedic chaos brought about by Raymond's failed attempts at maintaining his butler's disguise. Taylor and Harlow sparkle on screen; their chemistry is magnetic, generating some genuinely heart-warming scenes alongside many comical moments. Further humor is added by the antics of the lively supporting cast, beautifully complementing the film's central romance.

Jean Harlow is spectacular in her portrayal of a widowed woman of substance and charm. Her elegant and poised persona coupled with her dazzling beauty makes an audience member admire her, and Taylor, as the pariah of his family, desirous of personal acceptance and love, perfectly complements her. As his true identity starts unfolding, so does the chemistry and connection between the pair, forming the heart of the narrative.

Robert delivers a compelling display of comedic timing and charm in the role of Raymond. Apart from his romantic rendezvous with Harlow, his sibling rivalry with the much-matured Claude, portrayed by Reginald Owen, provides another comedic subplot that further entertains and fuels the narrative pace. Reginald Owen, as the impossibly 'proper' and manipulative older brother who is more interested in title and wealth, provides an excellent contrast to Taylor's character.

Directed by W. S. Van Dyke, known for his speedy and efficient filming, Personal Property stands as a marker to his lightening paced, well-crafted storytelling. The glamorous sets, exquisite costumes, and the unique touch of 1930s sophistication echo through the scenes, making the film a classic ensemble of carefree entertainment and cinematic aesthetics.

The screenplay by Hugh Mills and Ernest Vajda, based on the play 'The Man in Possession' by H. M. Harwood, has been adapted beautifully, presenting a mix of witty lines, slapstick sequences, and romantic episodes that are the strengths of 1930s' romantic comedies. It’s a highly entertaining film that showcases privileged lifestyles, social dynamics, and the characters' journey navigating through their situations while finding love.

In the end, Personal Property offers an endearing mix of sharp dialogue, compelling characters, and the charm of classic Hollywood filmmaking, all tied up neatly in a beautifully presented package. The film is a must-watch for lovers of romantic comedies and fans of Jean Harlow, Robert Taylor, and Reginald Owen who put forward noteworthy performances. It is the intrigue of the story, the charm of the cast and their chemistry, which makes Personal Property an enduring classic that continues to entertain viewers to this very day.