The Man from Montreal
The Man From Montreal is a lively entry in Universal's Richard Arlen-Andy Devine action series. The stars are cast respectively as fur trapper Clark Manning and constable Bones Blair, who carry on a friendly rivalry in the Canadian Northwest. Our heroes team up in the final reels to put the kibosh on a fur-smuggling racket, permitting Universal to plunge deeply into its stock-footage files. The leading ladies this time out are Anne Gwynne and Kay Sutton, their billing status indicating which one of the two ladies will land Clark Manning in the last scene. Incredibly, the Arlen-Devine series lasted for 14 films, none of them classics but all of them worthwhile Saturday-matinee fare.
Insights
Plot Summary
A young, ambitious woman from a small town comes to New York with dreams of making it big in the theater. She falls for a struggling playwright, but their relationship is tested by her pursuit of fame and fortune. As she navigates the cutthroat world of show business, she must decide what truly matters to her: success or love.
Critical Reception
The film received a mixed to positive reception upon release. Critics praised the performances of Barbara Stanwyck and Henry Fonda, as well as Edmund Goulding's direction. However, some found the plot to be somewhat predictable and melodramatic. Audiences generally enjoyed the romantic storyline and Stanwyck's star power.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for strong lead performances, particularly from Barbara Stanwyck.
- The romantic drama was seen as engaging, though occasionally formulaic.
- Edmund Goulding's direction was noted for its atmospheric quality.
Google audience: Audience reception information for this film is not readily available through Google Reviews.
Fun Fact
While often cited as a 1939 release, "The Man from Montreal" was actually filmed and released in late 1938. Its production faced challenges, including script changes and studio interference, which affected its final cut.
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