The Greeks Had a Word for Them

The movie The Greeks Had a Word for Them, released in 1932, is an exquisite example of the pre-Code Hollywood comedy genre. Directed by Lowell Sherman and featuring an alluring cast of Joan Blondell, Madge Evans, and Ina Claire, this film captures the exciting era of the 1930s in its inception with its unbridled handling of themes like sex, morality, and women's dependence on men.

The Greeks Had a Word for Them is based on the successful Broadway play "The Greeks Had a Word for It" written by Zoe Akins. This film adaptation brilliantly encapsulates the tumultuous and sparkling sensation of the original script. The screenplay, written by Sidney Howard, balances humor, drama, and a glib attitude towards societal norms.

In the film, Blondell, Evans, and Claire portray three glamorous women – Jean, Polaire, and Schatzi, respectively – living in New York City. As former showgirls, the women are stunning, intelligent, and cunning, using charm as their main weapon to combat the hardships of life in a male-dominated society. Their only goal – to find wealthy men who could provide a luxurious lifestyle they always longed for.

Joan Blondell plays Jean Lawrence, the blonde, smart yet slightly cynical one of the trio. Known for her quick wit, Blondell's role gives her the platform to demonstrate her talent for sharp humor. Her natural rapport with her cast members and her finely honed comedic timing are significant highlights in the movie.

Madge Evans plays Polaire Quinn, an innocent, good-hearted, and sometimes naive woman who contrasts Blondell's jaded character. Evans' portrayal of Polaire brings an element of charm and sweetness that subtly counterbalances the blatant pursuit of wealth over love, creating a more nuanced narrative.

Ina Claire, on the other hand, plays Schatzi, the ringleader of the group who is assertive, insightful, and determined to score a rich husband at any cost. Claire's performance adds an additional layer of sophistication and resilience to the group dynamic, showcasing the potency and capability of women even within the confines of societal expectations.

The film approaches its themes with a blithe disregard for societal norms of that era. It deals with a forbidden premise of women seeking financial security over love and moral decisions, an audacious context considering the social dynamics of the 1930s. The characters are not intimidated by societal expectations and embody an unorthodox spirit, which makes the film a remarkably progressive narrative for its time.

Another significant element of the film is its technical aspects. It complements the narrative with glamorous costume design and elaborate set pieces that take the audience back to the glitz and allure of 1930s' New York. The director, Lowell Sherman, mirrors the grand aspirations of the characters with visually captivating scenes that set the stage for the hilarity and drama.

Of course, the humor is the standout feature of The Greeks Had a Word for Them. With its raw narrative, punchy one-liners, and endearing performances by the lead actresses, the film is a comical journey packed with universal themes of love, friendship, betrayal, and ambition. It offers a fresh spin to the comedy genre with its charming trio, their adventurous exploits, and a fearless approach towards typically taboo subjects of the time.

Further enriching the appeal of this film is the exploration of female friendships. While their collective pursuit of wealth leads to multiple conflicts among the trio, their bond and camarity remains an unwavering undercurrent throughout the narrative. The film adeptly manages to depict varying shades of these characters, confidently toeing the line between their calculated manipulation and strong bonding.

Despite being lighthearted and humorous, The Greeks Had a Word for Them doesn't shy away from peeling back layers of societal norms and expectations. It employs comedy to unravel serious discourse about women's agency, lifestyle choices, and their struggle to master their destinies.

Overall, The Greeks Had a Word for Them is much more than a standard comedy flick. It is worth watching for its daring thematic exploration, the incomparable performances by the leading ladies, and its contribution to the broader conversation about women's emancipation during an era when such discussions were limited. It's a radiant, humorous, and thought-provoking blend of entertainment and subtle social commentary.