In Name Only Review
Although one might have expected a film containing screwball experts Cary_Grant and Carole_Lombard to be a riotous comedy, In Name Only turns out to be a tear-jerking melodrama instead. It's not bad, as weepies go, but it's not as special as it should be either, given the impressive cast. The fault lies with the screenplay, which is turgid and overblown, even for the genre. While the basic premise is workable and believable, its execution results in twists and turns that are forced and unacceptable. This is especially true where the character of Maida is concerned. The writers have made her so conniving and contemptuous that she unbalances the story. Fortunately, she is played deliciously by Kay_Francis, who practically steals the picture with her gloriously self-centered performance. This is not to slight Grant and Lombard, both of whom are in top dramatic form and elevate the film far above its script. John_Cromwell's direction also adds spark to the film, and he uses his sure technique to milk every last tear from the viewer. Indeed, Cromwell and the cast make sure that plenty of handkerchiefs are needed by viewers, even those who will feel guilty for crying at such blatant manipulation. Craig Butler, Rovi
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