Saratoga

A middling romantic comedy directed by Jack Conway, 1937's Saratoga is far more interesting for being Jean Harlow's last film.  In fact, she died during the making of it, so that's why there are mysterious scenes when you can see nothing but the back of her character's head. No star of that magnitude would have allowed to be filmed facing away from the camera.

This was Harlow and Clark Gable's sixth teaming, set in the world of horse racing. A breeding farm in the titular city is just a glimmer of what it used to be. It's overseen by crotchety old Grandpa (Lionel Barrymore). When his son dies, the place comes into the hands of his friend, a bookmaker (Gable). Harlow, the daughter, has been living in Europe and has developed into something of a spoiled princess. She's engaged to a Wall Street millionaire (Walter Pidgeon), whom Gable hopes to induce into betting, and losing, large sums of money.

Of course we're just waiting for Gable and Harlow to realize they're in love with each other, but the chemistry isn't right. There is a funny scene in which Gable hides under the sofa while Pidgeon visits but his cigar is still smoldering in an ashtray and Harlow has to pretend it's hers. But most of the time these two characters are battling, and the script doesn't make us believe that they could be attracted to each other.

There are some interesting supporting characters. Frank Morgan is on hand, a ladies' toiletries magnate who is married to Gable's old pal, Una Merkel. Morgan is both jealous of Gable and allergic to horses, so he is constantly sneezing and mixing up his subjects and objects. I've seen little of Morgan other than The Wizard of Oz, but every role I see you can hear a bit of Professor Marvel in him. Also on hand is Cliff Edwards as Gable's assistant. He's most famous for voicing Jiminy Cricket, and it's odd to see what he actually looks like.

Finally, Hattie McDaniel plays Harlow's maid, a role that was her lot in life. She was a terrific actress, though. I found it interesting when she talks Gable up to her, and says, "If he was the right color, I'd marry him."