Men in White (1934)

To me, this movie is perfection.

Great Film overall

At first rather annoying in its heavy emphasis on reenactments, this movie ultimately proves fascinating, simply because the complicated, highly dramatic tale it tells still almost defies belief.

There is, somehow, an interesting story here, as well as some good acting. There are also some good scenes

Although it starts off in familiar Kildare territory, this forceful Kingsley play soon introduces a powerful complication unknown to the upright medical staff of Blair General Hospital. The plot moves relentlessly forward to a knock-out Third Act that rates as one of the most poignant and moving I've ever seen in the cinema. Oddly, the movie version opened in New York whilst the play was still running in its initial Broadway season. No-one had anticipated it would become such a success. When the movie rights were sold the usual restriction against presenting the film in competition with the stage offering was not imposed. However, this gave New Yorkers a rare opportunity to compare the two versions. Would you believe that most critics felt the stage presentation had it all over the film so far as writing, acting and direction were concerned? The complaints alleged that Kingsley's attack on hospital administrations had been watered down, that Gable's performance was more in keeping with his movie star image than that of a dedicated surgeon and that the vigor of the play had been weakened by an approach that changed the emphasis of individual scenes, heightening some and deflating others. Personally, I found Boleslawski's direction not only smooth and stylish but captivating in the undercurrent symbolism and atmosphere evoked through the magnificent sets and impeccable lighting. Needless to say, the one film actor who did attract universal praise was critics' favorite Jean Hersholt who was thought to be at least the equal of J. Edward Bromberg on the stage. My opinion is the opposite. I thought Hersholt's performance a trifle mannered, whereas Gable came across with far greater authority and insight. One of his most virile roles, in my opinion. I was not over-enamored of Myrna Loy (hampered it's true by unflattering photography and costumes), and I thought the comic relief somewhat tedious, - though I did enjoy Wallace Ford's escape on the stairs when he shouts out, "Good evening, Dr Hochberg!" But the rest of the players, particularly Elizabeth Allan and C. Henry Gordon, hit right home.

Men in White (1934) ** 1/2 (out of 4) MGM melodrama takes a look at the personal and professional crisis of Dr. George Ferguson (Clark Gable). He's under pressure from his boss to work as hard as he can to become a better doctor but this doesn't sit well with his girlfriend (Myrna Loy) who wants more time with him. The screenplay here is pretty thin so the movie comes off rather bland even for 1934 standards. We've seen this type of drama countless times before and this movie really doesn't offer anything new. The performances are clearly the best thing with Gable giving a very intense performance. Loy is good in her role but it's your typical bitchy girlfriend part. Jean Hersholt, Otto Kruger, Wallace Ford and Griffith regular Henry B. Walthall co-star.

This was an interesting Clark Gable film, which showed off the actor's more vulnerable side, especially in the scenes with sick children.The hospital itself was rather ultra modern. I got a kick out of the art deco staircase in this rather glamorous hospital.As for the actual plot, I, too, was a bit confused by the nurse's supposed illness. I thought maybe she had poisoned herself since Dr. Ferguson was set to marry Myrna Loy's character. True, the nurse does sit on Gable's bed (when he is not there), but the implication that they were intimate together wasn't made clear. I had to look it up in a book of films on Gable to get the whole picture made clear. It presents little information to the viewer. I knew she did something to herself, but a botched abortion wasn't clearly shown.It was an enjoyable look at a time when doctors were really thought of as gods.

First, I MUST mention that I LOVE Clark Gable and Myrna Loy flicks and I adore the films of Hollywood's Golden Age. So, my mediocre review is not the result of some prejudice against the actors or type of film being produced at the time. The problem is that the story is just too earnest and preachy to be of much interest. Sure, we can see that Gable is a dedicated young doctor and a heck of a guy--but so what? Most will probably find the film boring and hokey at times. Those who are real film buffs will probably be able to look past this, though most teens and the cynical will want to avoid this film. That's because these viewers MIGHT tend to discount older films or these great actors based only on this turgid experience.