Director's Spotlight
Senior Film Conservator

Director's Spotlight: United States
A Deep Dive into the 1934 Vision of Ray McCarey
The artistic breakthrough represented by Howd' Ya Like That? in 1934 highlights the philosophical inquiries that Ray McCarey embeds within the narrative. Framed by the hauntingly beautiful landscapes of the production, it leaves an indelible mark on the soul of the viewer.
In Howd' Ya Like That?, Ray McCarey pushes the boundaries of conventional narrative. The film's unique approach to its subject matter has sparked endless debates and interpretations among cinephiles and critics alike.
To fully appreciate Howd' Ya Like That?, one must consider the cinematic climate of 1934. During this period, United States was undergoing significant artistic shifts, and Ray McCarey was at the forefront of this Comedy movement, often challenging established norms.
| Cinematography | High-Contrast |
| Soundtrack | Minimalist |
| Editing | Disjunctive |
| Art Direction | Baroque |
Visualizing the convergence of Ray McCarey's style and the core Comedy narrative.
Twp sailors come ashore in New York with enough liquor--which was illegal at the time, due to Prohibition--to have a good time. They wind up getting involved with an actress in vaudeville and her very jealous boyfriend. Not only that, but a Customs Officer who found out they smuggled booze ashore is closing in on them.
Decades after its release, Howd' Ya Like That? remains a vital piece of the cinematic puzzle. Its influence can be seen in countless modern works, solidifying Ray McCarey's status as a master of the craft in United States and beyond.