Frank Dawson Movies
A handsome, white-haired supporting actor from England, in Hollywood from 1932, Frank Dawson usually played ministers and what was often termed the "gentleman's gentleman." At his most proper and deferential, Dawson was Barbara Stanwyck's butler in Secret Bride (1935) and later cared for the needs of Genevieve Tobin in Broadway Hostess (1935), as well as those of Cary Grant in (#Suzy (1936), George Sanders in Four Men and a Prayer (1938), Halliwell Hobbes in Waterloo Bridge (1940), and Dame May Whitty in Crash Dive (1943). ~ Hans J. Wollstein, All Movie Guide- 1935
The Secret Bride is Ruth Vincent (Barbara Stanwyck), the daughter of Governor Vincent (Arthur Byron). Attorney general Robert Sheldon (Warren William) falls in love with Ruth and they marry, but Sheldon insists that their marriage be kept secret. It seems that the Governor has been accused of accepting $10,000 in bribes, and Sheldon doesn't want to be accused of complicity while he investigates the matter. In the course of events, two murders occur, and it's up to Ruth to straighten the mess out. But how will she be able to manage this without involving herself or her secret husband in the scandal? It's funny how the various TV cable services tend to trot out The Secret Bride whenever a real-life political scandal bursts onto the scene. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Barbara Stanwyck, Warren William, (more)
- 1934
Inspired by the eccentric, reclusive Wendel Family of New York's Fifth Avenue, Elizabeth MacFadden's stage melodrama Double Door was adapted for the screen in 1934. Set in 1910 Manhattan, the film stars Mary Morris and Anne Revere, repeating their stage roles as domineering, calculating Victoria Van Brett and her weakling sister Caroline. The title refers to the door guarding the Van Brett's secret vault, wherein are stored the family jewels. Years earlier, Victoria, the only member of the family who knows the vault's combination, locked Caroline in the dark, airless chamber, literally frightening her into madness. At present, the misleadingly sweet-natured Victoria has embarked upon a campaign to destroy Ann Darrow (Elizabeth Allan), the new bride of her half-brother Rip Van Brett (Kent Taylor). When her efforts to accuse the girl of having an affair with doctor John Lucas (Colin Tapley) fail, Victoria does her utmost to lure Ann into the vault, intending to lock her in and drive her insane. Perhaps it goes without saying that the heroine will survive, and that Victoria herself will be forever entombed behind that double door. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Mary Morris, Evelyn Venable, (more)
- 1934
Dick Powell and Ruby Keeler reunite once again for this musical salute to the West Point Military Academy, including many scenes shot at West Point with "the full cooperation of the United States Army." Powell is Canary Dorcey, a private at a Hawaiian army post where he meets the perky Kitt Fits (Ruby Keeler), and she proceeds to flirt with him. Unable to handle the love games, Canary escapes Hawaii by getting an appointment at West Point, where he diligently pursues his studies and tries to forget about dames. But four years later, Kit shows up at West Point with her father, General Jack Fitts (Henry O'Neill), who has accepted the position of the new West Point commander. After some sparring and hedging, a visit to the Kissing Rock along the Flirtation Walk turns the two little lovebirds around, and soon enough they are appearing in the annual West Point musical revue, all forgiven. ~ Paul Brenner, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Dick Powell, Ruby Keeler, (more)
- 1932
One of four films directed by Stephen Roberts in 1932, just four years before the filmmaker passed away prematurely, Lady and Gent stars George Bancroft as aging prizefighter Stag Bailey. After Stag loses his last match to hotshot up-and-comer Buzz Kinney (a 25-year-old John Wayne in an early role), his manager Pin Streaver (James Gleason) is killed during a hold-up. Whether they like it or not, Stag and his speakeasy-owning lady friend Puff (Wynne Gibson) find themselves responsible for Pin's parentless son Ted. As Ted grows up and the three of them form a strong familiar bond, Stag and Puff attempt to disuade Ted from following in the boxing footsteps of his adopted father. Also known as The Challenger, Lady and Gent was nominated for the 1932 Academy Award for Best Writing, Original Story. ~ Matthew Tobey, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- George Bancroft, Wynne Gibson, (more)
