Ladies Must Live

"Ladies Must Live" is the third version of the same story. The first ("The Home Towners") came out in 1928 and was a very early all-sound movie. It was remade in 1936 as "Time Square Playboy". This remake, though not good, made sense as sound technology in 1928 was poor. But it didn't make sense to remake it again, only four years later as "Ladies Must Live". I have never seen the original and assume like many old films, it's lost since there are no reviews for it on IMDB. I did see the first remake....and it was NOT good due to the script....and the same problem is in the second remake.

In this Warner Brothers B-movie, Corey (Wayne Morris) falls head over heels for Pat (Rosemary Lane) and asks her to marry him very shortly after they meet. Problems develop when Corey invites his old friend 'Pig Head' (Roscoe Karns) to New York City to be his best man. Why? Well, very shortly after meeting Corey's prospective in-laws, he comes to hate them and assume they are money-hungry and only care about Corey since he's a millionaire. Comedic situations follow...or should follow.

While I would be concerned about any friend who meets someone and decides to get married like this, Pig Head's reaction is inexplicable. Had there been a lengthier amount of time before he formed such strong opinions about Pat and her family, the film would have worked. But instead it all just seems very rushed and impossible to believe....just like in the previous version. So, while the actors try hard, the script just doesn't work and the film comes off as confusing and silly....and not in a good way. Add to that the stupid 'Indian' character, Chief, and you have a recipe for a film that's easy to skip.