Reaching for the Moon
Reaching for the Moon

Reaching for the Moon

1930Movie73 minEnglish

Wall Street wizard, Larry Day, new to the ways of love, is coached by his valet. He follows Vivian Benton on an ocean liner, where cocktails, laced with a "love potion," work their magic. He then loses his fortune in the market crash and feels he has also lost his girl.

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Insights

IMDb6.4/10
Director: Edmund GouldingGenres: Comedy, Musical, Romance

Plot Summary

A wealthy New York businessman falls for a French singer who is unaware of his fortune. He attempts to woo her by pretending to be a struggling artist. Complications arise as she is also pursued by other suitors, and her wealthy aunt tries to arrange a marriage with another man.

Critical Reception

Upon its release, 'Reaching for the Moon' was generally well-received by critics for its musical numbers, comedic performances, and romantic storyline. Audiences enjoyed the lavish production and the charm of its star, Douglas Fairbanks. It was considered a successful early sound musical, though like many films of its era, its plot might seem dated by modern standards.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its early integration of sound and music, offering vibrant musical numbers.
  • Douglas Fairbanks's charisma and comedic timing were highlighted as a major draw.
  • The romantic comedy elements and lighthearted plot were enjoyed by audiences of the time.

Google audience: Audience reception information for this early sound film is scarce, but contemporary reviews indicated it was appreciated for its entertainment value and musical sequences.

Fun Fact

This was one of Douglas Fairbanks's final films and one of his few ventures into sound musicals, a genre that was rapidly evolving in the early 1930s.

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