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5.8/10
Senior Film Conservator
A definitive 5.8/10 rating for a film that redefined the boundaries of cult cinema. Ladies' Man remains a cornerstone of transgressive art.
"Ladies' Man" from 1931? Yeah, it's definitely something. If you're into those early talkies, the pre-Code stuff where everyone's a little bit scandalous and the dialogue just crackles, then absolutely give this a watch. It’s a snapshot of a different era, for sure. But if you’re looking for fast-paced modern thrills or stories that always tie up neatly? You might find it a bit slow, a little… 🤷♀️ dated. Still, for fans of classic Hollywood, especially the stars, it's a solid, interesting flick.
William Powell plays Jamie Darric, a guy who basically makes his living charming rich women. Not in a crude way, more like a social butterfly who knows how to make ladies feel special. He’s got this smooth, almost tired charm that only Powell could pull off. You see him in a room, and he just owns it, even when he looks like he’d rather be anywhere else.
His whole life is about these society functions, floating from one rich lady to another. And then there's Norma, played by a very young, very vibrant Carole Lombard. She’s his real girlfriend, and she’s not part of that world. She just loves him, plain and simple. Their scenes together have this genuine spark. A real contrast to the stiff society events.
The plot really kicks in when Jamie sets his sights on this wealthy mother, Mrs. Fentnor (Olive Tell), and her daughter, Audrey (Kay Francis). It’s a messy situation, really. Both women are interested in him, in their own ways. You can almost feel the tension, the quiet competition between mother and daughter for Jamie’s attention. It’s all very polite, of course, on the surface.
What’s interesting is how the movie kinda shows the emptiness of that high-society life. All the fancy parties, the elaborate gowns, the constant chatter… it feels a bit hollow. Jamie is stuck in it, but you can tell he's just going through the motions. He's good at it, probably too good.
There's this moment where Jamie is talking to Norma, and he just looks so worn out. Like the whole "ladies' man" thing is a performance he’s tired of giving. You see it in his eyes. It’s a quiet bit, but it speaks volumes. Lombard, on the other hand, is all effervescence. She bounces around, her smile is infectious. She brings a much-needed breath of fresh air.
Kay Francis, as Audrey, is fascinating too. She has this sort of reserved elegance. You feel a bit sorry for her, caught between her mother's expectations and her own budding feelings. It’s not just a simple love triangle; it’s more complicated than that. More like a rectangle, with Norma on the outside looking in.
The movie, to its credit, doesn't shy away from the awkwardness of the situation. Some of the dinner scenes, with Jamie trying to navigate both women, are just… tense. You can almost feel the movie trying to convince you this moment matters, and it often does. The pacing can feel a little deliberate at times, like it’s taking its sweet time to get to the point. But then, you get another glimpse of Powell’s weary charm, or Lombard’s honest affection, and you’re pulled back in.
It’s not a film that gives you easy answers. Jamie’s journey to figure out what he really wants, true happiness versus financial security, is at the core. You want him to choose Norma, because their connection just feels so much more real. But the allure of the Fentnor money is clearly strong. It was a tough spot for anyone to be in, back then or now.
You notice little things. Like the way a specific costume highlights the difference between Norma’s youthful style and the more formal attire of the society ladies. Or a quick shot of a newspaper headline in the background, anchoring it firmly in its time. Those details, they add up.
The film has this kind of subtle cynicism about the wealthy. They’re not evil, but they’re certainly depicted as a bit out of touch, living in their own bubble. It reminds me a bit of the social commentary you’d sometimes find in movies like Lady Windermere's Fan, just with more talking here.
Honestly, it’s a good example of why pre-Code films are so engaging. They didn't always have to be so neat and tidy. The characters could be flawed, the situations could be messy. This film really leans into that. It’s not a perfect movie, but it has heart, and a fantastic cast. That alone makes it worth seeing.
IMDb —
1916
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