Streamline Express

Streamline Express is a 1935 American romantic drama directed by Leonard Fields and produced by George A. Hirliman. It features a star-studded cast including Victor Jory, Evelyn Venable, and Esther Ralston. True to its name, Streamline Express unfolds in the confines of a streamline train and offers viewers a delightful cocktail of love, drama, and comedy, with the backdrop of a high-speed adventure unfolding on dazzling wheels.

The central character of the story, Jim Parker, played by Victor Jory, is preparing for the maiden run of his new Streamline Express train. Not just a vehicle, this train becomes a major plot device and represents the epitome of modernity and high-speed efficiency in the 1930s. Like every characters in this movie, the train has its own narrative and persona - speedy, steady and full of adrenaline-pumped adventure.

Evelyn Venable plays Patricia Wallace, a successful Broadway actress who is in a relationship with Kenneth Hawks played by Ralph Forbes. Kenneth's job as a director has placed some strain on their relationship leading Patricia, in a bid to gain more attention from Kenneth, to falsely announce her engagement with an old friend, Jimmy Hart played by Reed Hadley.

Yet, caught in its whirlwind of excitement and razzmatazz, the real love story starts when Patricia Wallace boards the Streamline Express in an anonymous disguise, intent on escaping to California from New York, away from her tumultuous love life and media scrutiny. Coincidentally, Jim Parker ends up sharing the privacy of her compartment as an unbeknownst guest. Both Patricia and Jim are completely unaware of each other's true identity – a recipe for romance spiced with wit and humor, twists and turns.

Victor Jory's performance as Jim Parker is memorable. Jory masterfully paints the portrait of a typical 1930s charismatic businessman and inventor; a touch eccentric, immensely passionate about his inventions with an impeccable sense of humor. Equally captivating is Evelyn Venable - her portrayal of Patricia is versatile as she shifts effortlessly between the role of a Broadway diva and an anonymous traveler, navigating the intricacies of love, identity and survival with a combination of grace, wit and femininity.

Esther Ralston plays Valerie, an old Broadway drama queen boarding the same train. Ralston brings a whimsical touch to the story as her character constantly manipulates situations, attempting to reclaim her lost fame. Her scheming antics and exuberant charm add an extra layer of humor and delight to the movie.

Despite its romantic core, Streamline Express also provides a fascinating snapshot of the era's perception towards technological advancement. The train encapsulates the era’s fascination for speed, design and innovation. Streamline shapes, high speed rail, individual compartments with adjustable chairs and beds, and radio links in every compartment – all stretching the imagination and transport technology of its times, providing the audience with a taste of the future, as imagined by the past.

Featuring a series of endearing and comedic encounters, the journey of the Streamline Express thrills the audience with suspense, surprise and the electric chemistry between Jim Parker and Patricia Wallace. Each character has their own unique narrative, some interweaving, some colliding, and some just speeding ahead independently. It gives the viewer a profound sense of the dichotomy between the glamour of the Broadway world and the unvarnished, authentic life on the train, creating an insightful contrast that keeps the audience hooked from beginning to end.

With its unique setting, rich characterisation, romantic encounters, comic relief, and delicious drama, Streamline Express succeeds in delivering a one-way ticket to an unforgettable ride. The joy of this movie lies in its detailed narrative, periodic setting and well-executed performances. As the train speeds towards California, the film also cleverly unravels the complexities of human dynamics and emotions.

In conclusion, Streamline Express offers a captivating cinematic journey, combining the charm of a classic romantic drama with the thrill of a modern-day adventure. It's a delightful trip down the memory lane of vintage Hollywood and an essential watch for those who love classic dramas with a twist of romance and comic relief. Whether you're a fan of Victor Jory, Evelyn Venable, and Esther Ralston, or you simply love a great movie perfectly steeped in the ambiance of its time, Streamline Express is a must-watch. Hop aboard, the Streamline Express promises an entertaining ride!