Search for Beauty

Search for Beauty is an intriguing film from 1934 offering a blend of comedy, drama, and romance. Directed by Erle C Kenton, the movie stars athletics superstar Buster Crabbe, Ida Lupino, and Robert Armstrong among a line-up of Hollywood icons who magnificently bring their characters to life. The film thrives on the glamour and allure of the 1930s, illustrating the varying definitions and perceptions of beauty during this era, cleverly incorporated within the narrative.

The film focuses on Crabbe and Lupino, who portray Larry Williams and Barbara Hilton respectively, both former Olympic Champions. As global celebrities enjoying their stardom, they are approached by a firm intending to utilize their fame to promote a fitness magazine and health farm, capitalizing on their fit and beautiful image.

Crabbe's Larry Williams is a charismatic Olympic swimming champion who matches wits with Lupino's Barbara Hilton, a champion diver. The pair have a wonderful chemistry, with each scene complementing their on-screen rapport. With his athletic physique and charming looks, Crabbe embodies the spirit of a true sportsperson, projecting strength, determination, and a magnetic charisma. In contrast, Lupino brings grace, beauty,and raw talent to her role, damping down the austerity with her own brand of comedy and allure.

They eagerly sign on, believing they'd be promoting physical fitness and health among the readers and clients. Their vision draws them in - they see an opportunity to make a difference in people's lives, to encourage living a healthier lifestyle. But upon joining, they quickly realize their new business partners, played by Robert Armstrong and James Gleason, show no real interest in creating a healthful community. The duo are actually smooth-talking con artists intending to create racy content and milk influence out of the champions' fame.

As the narrative unfolds, the story focuses on Larry and Barbara's efforts to outsmart their partners, preserve their reputations, and re-establish their original goal of promoting health and fitness. The complexion of the film takes a delightful turn as a tale of morality and integrity takes center stage, underneath its light-hearted comic veneer.

Search for Beauty successfully documents aspects of the magazine publication business, significantly how beauty and fitness were monetized in society. It weaves a compelling narrative around superficial beauty and its commercialization, making it a fascinating social commentary of its time. This dynamic is brilliantly played out by the cast, allowing the audience to invest in the story emotionally and ethically.

The film is filled with charm, wit, and a fair bit of glamour, effectively portraying the dazzle of the Hollywood spotlight. The glamorous sets, the extravagantly choreographed gym sessions, swim events, and beauty pageants essentially draw the viewer into the sparkling world of the 1930s. This is counterbalanced with the dark web of deceit spun by Armstrong's and Gleason’s characters, enriching the plot with tension and intrigue.

Credit is also deserved for the splendidly shot athletic sequences that not only showcase the physical prowess of the protagonists but also lend a sense of authenticity to the story. These details make Search for Beauty a unique blend of a sporting drama and a romantic comedy, a film that was ahead of its times and remains engaging today.

Music must not be overlooked as it adds a tremendous amount to the overall tone of the film. The peppy, energetic tunes edged with mischief wonderfully encapsulate the zeitgeist of the 1930s while the beautiful melodies enhance the romantic dynamics.

Overall, the Search for Beauty is a film that celebrates the beauty of physical fitness, moral integrity, and the strength to uphold ones beliefs while wrapped in the shimmer and humor of 1930s Hollywood. It is an engaging and memorable movie which invites its audience to consider a thoughtful message beneath its charming surface. The film provides a further testament to the diversity and creativity of the early years of Hollywood and is appreciated by fans of classic cinema.