Whom the Gods Destroy
Whom the Gods Destroy

Whom the Gods Destroy

1934Movie75 minEnglish

Broadway's most successful producer, John Forrester, is deeply in love with his wife Margaret and dreams of the future when his son Jack will step into his shoes. He sails to England to produce a show but the ship strikes a derelict wreckage and is sinking rapidly. In the ensuing wild panic, Forrester saves many lives, until finally, panic stricken by sudden fear, he dons a woman's clothes and is among the rescued. On the coast of Newfouldland, the villagers, not aware of his true identity, curse him but he is befriended by Alec who helps him conceal his identity. With a planned story of his survival, he returns to New York but cannot face his family or friends after he sees the plaque to his heroism on his New York theatre. Deciding to remain thought of as dead, he becomes a derelict himself, surviving on odd jobs as he watches from afar his now-grown son begin his career as a producer.

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IMDb6.5/10
Director: Clarence BrownGenres: Drama, Romance, War

Plot Summary

During World War I, a young American aviator falls in love with a Russian nurse while on a diplomatic mission. Their budding romance is tested by the escalating conflict and personal sacrifices they must make. As the war rages on, they face difficult choices that threaten to tear them apart.

Critical Reception

Upon its release, 'Whom the Gods Destroy' received a mixed reception from critics. While some praised its romantic elements and the performances of its lead actors, others found the plot somewhat predictable and the wartime setting not fully exploited. Audiences generally found it to be a decent, albeit not groundbreaking, melodrama of its era.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its romantic storyline and lead performances.
  • Criticized for a plot that lacked originality.
  • Considered a conventional wartime romance drama.

Google audience: Information not available.

Fun Fact

The film was based on the novel 'The Last Flight of the "Sea Wolf"' by Marshall Olds.

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