John Meade's Woman: A Grumpy Tycoon Tale

If you have a soft spot for 1930s dramas about rich guys who don't know how to talk to women, John Meade's Woman is worth a look. It is not exactly high art, but it’s got that specific, clipped rhythm of a Paramount picture that doesn't waste any time.

Edward Arnold plays the lead, and he does that thing where he just dominates every frame with his sheer presence. He’s the kind of guy who probably yells at his toast for being too cold. You’ll hate him, but you won't be able to look away.

The story is essentially a collision of bad attitudes. Meade is a titan of industry who thinks he can buy anything, including affection. It reminded me a bit of the tension you see in Letty Lynton, though without the same level of glamour.

The dialogue is snappy, but sometimes it feels like they’re just waiting for their turn to drop a line. One scene in the middle involving a business deal goes on way longer than it needs to. It’s almost like the scriptwriters were bored of the romance and wanted to get back to the oil fields. 🙄

Small Things I Noticed

• The way people hold their cigarettes in this movie is an art form.
• The lighting in the office scenes is suspiciously moody for a guy who just talks about oil all day.
• There is a background actor in a party scene who spends the entire time looking at the floor. I wonder what he was thinking about.

It’s not as chaotic as Battleship Potemkin, obviously, but it’s got a weird, grounded energy. It’s a movie that knows exactly what it is. It doesn't try to be a masterpiece.

If you're looking for something that feels like a dusty old book you found in an attic, this is it. Just don't go in expecting to fall in love with the characters. They are all, without exception, kind of exhausting.

I found myself rooting for the furniture more than the people by the end. At least the chairs know how to stay still.