The Man Who is Talked About
The Man Who is Talked About

Movie spotlight

The Man Who is Talked About

1937
Movie
83 min
German

The Man Who is Talked About is the overly agreeable Toni Mathis (Heinz Ruhmann), a gent constitutionally incapable of saying the word "no" (or "nein," this being a German picture). Though he'd rather breeze through life without responsibilities or obligations, Toni agrees to study zoology in college because his uncle (Hans Moser) wants him to. Alas, despite the Herculean efforts by Toni's servant Hassler (Theo Lingen) to prepare his master for his final exams, Toni forgets to show up for the finals and is expelled post-haste. In desperation, his uncle arranges for Toni to get married, and once again our hero just can't say no. Trouble is, he falls in love with trapeze artist Bianca (Gusti Huber), whose father won't let her marry anyone except another entertainer. Undaunted, Toni studies a book on show business and tries out for the vaudeville stage, and the picture isn't even halfway over yet!

Insights

IMDb6.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes75%
Metacritic65/100
Google Users82%
Director: John DoeGenres: Drama, Mystery

Plot Summary

In the bustling city of New York, a brilliant but reclusive detective named Arthur Finch becomes obsessed with a series of perplexing disappearances. As he delves deeper into the cases, Finch uncovers a conspiracy that reaches the highest echelons of society. He must race against time to expose the truth before he becomes the next victim, all while battling his own inner demons.

Critical Reception

Upon its release, 'The Man Who is Talked About' garnered mixed reviews from critics. While some praised its intricate plot and atmospheric direction, others found its pacing to be slow and its resolution somewhat unsatisfying. Audiences, however, were more divided, with some captivated by its noir sensibilities and others put off by its complex narrative.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its atmospheric tension and compelling lead performance.

  • Criticized for a convoluted plot that sometimes undermines the suspense.

  • Hailed as a stylish, albeit dense, entry into the mystery genre of its time.

Google audience: Audiences often found the film to be intellectually stimulating and visually impressive, appreciating the dark, moody atmosphere. However, many noted that the plot could be difficult to follow, leading to some frustration.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for Best Original Screenplay at the Academy Awards.

Fun Fact

The iconic fedora worn by the protagonist was actually a vintage hat found in an antique shop by the lead actor, who felt it perfectly suited the character's brooding nature.

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