A Woman Commands
1932 film
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A Woman Commands is a 1932 American pre-Code film directed by Paul L. Stein and starring Pola Negri, Roland Young, and Basil Rathbone. Some additional scenes were directed by an uncredited Harry Joe Brown.
E. J. Babille (assistant)
Harry Joe Brown (associate)
| A Woman Commands | |
|---|---|
Theatrical poster of the film | |
| Directed by | Paul L. Stein E. J. Babille (assistant) |
| Screenplay by | Horace Jackson |
| Story by | Thilde Forster |
| Produced by | Charles R. Rogers Harry Joe Brown (associate) |
| Starring | Pola Negri Roland Young Basil Rathbone |
| Cinematography | Hal Mohr Arthur C. Miller(additional footage) |
| Edited by | Daniel Mandell George Hively |
| Music by | Arthur Lange Nacio Herb Brown |
Production company | RKO Radio Pictures |
| Distributed by | RKO Radio Pictures |
Release date |
|
Running time | 84 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Budget | $415,000[2] |
| Box office | $212,000[2] |
The film was novelized in 1931 by Guy Fowler.[a] The film's copyright was renewed in 1959.[b]
Cast
- Pola Negri as Madame Maria Draga/Queen Draga of Serbia
- Roland Young as King Alexander
- Basil Rathbone as Captain Alex Pastitsch
- H. B. Warner as Colonel Stradimirovitsch
- Anthony Bushell as Lt. Iwan Petrovitch
- Reginald Owen as The Prime Minister
- May Boley as Mascha
- Frank Reicher as The General
- George Baxter as Chedo
- David Newell as Adutant
- Allan Cavan as Minor Role (uncredited)
- Carl Stockdale as Priest (uncredited)
Reception
Critical
Mordaunt Hall of the The New York Times wrote that although the film "is no masterpiece, it has several good episodes.The denouement is very tame, but there is always the acting of Roland Young, Basil Rathbone and H. B. Warner, besides Miss Negri."[3]
Variety wrote that the "heavy advance ballyhoo" that preceded the film's release would help make it a success, but it described the flow of the storyline as "awkward" and "confusing" and the transition from comedy to drama as "an assault on plausibility." Negri was noted for demonstrating a "rather agreeable contralto" in her singing scenes, Basil Rathbone was described as acting with "unusual inflexibility" and "acting honors" went to Roland Young.[4]
The Film Daily wrote that the film began in a comedy vein before switching to drama but that it "fails to sustain interest." Negri was well received, and was described as "glamorous and expert in a part which does not afford her the best opportunities."[5]
Commercial
According to RKO records, the film made a loss of $265,000.[2]
Songs
- Paradise - music by Nacio Herb Brown; words by Gordon Clifford
- Promise You'll Remember Me For I'll Remember You - music by Nacio Herb Brown; words by Nacio Herb Brown & Charles Whittaker[c]
