Movie spotlight
So This Is Love
So This is Love? was another early Frank Capra production for fledgling Columbia Pictures. The hero, dress designer Jerry McGuire (William Collier Jr.), is tired of being considered a wimp. After business hours, Jerry secretly takes boxing lessons, enabling him to knock the stuffings out of his burly rival Spike Mullins (Johnnie Walker). Jerry's newfound pugilistic skills wins him the affections of store clerk Hilda Jensen (Shirley Mason), who's just car-razy about "cave men." Filmed in a fast three weeks, So This is Love? was completed before Frank Capra's Matinee Idol but released afterward. Leading lady Shirley Mason was the sister of Viola Dana, who starred in Capra's initial Columbia effort, That Certain Thing.
Insights
Plot Summary
A wealthy young man, burdened by his family's expectations, falls for a spirited singer. He struggles to reconcile his desire for a life of music and love with the social and financial pressures he faces. Their unconventional romance blossoms amidst the backdrop of a changing society and the burgeoning jazz age.
Critical Reception
This early musical film from Frank Capra received a mixed reception upon its release. While praised for its energetic performances and innovative use of sound for the era, some critics found the plot predictable and the romantic elements slightly contrived. Audiences, however, were generally entertained by its musical numbers and lighthearted tone.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its early sound and musical sequences.
Criticized for a formulaic romantic plot.
Seen as an enjoyable, if unremarkable, musical comedy of its time.
Google audience: Audience reception data for this early silent-to-sound era film is largely unavailable through standard aggregators. However, contemporary accounts suggest audiences enjoyed the musical numbers and the romantic escapism, despite some critics finding the story less original.
Fun Fact
This film is notable as one of Frank Capra's early directorial efforts before he found widespread fame with his later, more dramatic and comedic works.
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