Lady by Choice: Carole Lombard is chaos and I'm here for it

Is it worth your time?

If you like movies from the 30s that move fast and don't bother explaining themselves, sure. Watch this if you want to see Carole Lombard being delightfully sharp-tongued. Skip it if you need your plots to actually make sense or if you hate characters who just keep yelling at each other until they suddenly become best friends.

Cinematic perspective: Exploring the visual vocabulary of Lady by Choice (1934) through its definitive frames.

Carole Lombard is the only reason this thing stays afloat. She plays a dancer who is constantly in the papers for all the wrong reasons. There’s a scene early on where she’s just draped over a chair looking bored, and you can tell she’s the smartest person in the room by a long shot.

Cinematic perspective: Exploring the visual vocabulary of Lady by Choice (1934) through its definitive frames.

Then there is May Robson. She’s playing this elderly, brash drunk who gets picked up by the cops. When they decide to team up, it’s not really a heartwarming journey. It’s more like two people realizing they can use each other to get what they want. Which, honestly? Refreshing.

Cinematic perspective: Exploring the visual vocabulary of Lady by Choice (1934) through its definitive frames.

Odd little moments

• There is a bit with a courthouse sequence that feels like it was filmed in a different movie entirely.
• The background extras in the dance hall look like they were told to 'act like you’re having fun' but they’ve never seen a party before.
• The dialogue is fast. Sometimes too fast. I had to rewind twice just to catch a jab Lombard makes about a reporter’s suit.

The friendship part happens in about three minutes flat. One second they are bickering, the next they are basically ride-or-die. It doesn't earn the sentimentality, but it doesn't really matter. It’s just a frame for the two leads to trade barbs.

Cinematic perspective: Exploring the visual vocabulary of Lady by Choice (1934) through its definitive frames.

It’s not as heavy as A Child for Sale, obviously. It’s not trying to be. It’s just a studio product, but it’s got enough grit to keep you watching. I liked the part where they have to pretend to be high society. Seeing a woman who clearly prefers a gin bottle trying to hold a tea cup is a solid gag that never really gets old.

Cinematic perspective: Exploring the visual vocabulary of Lady by Choice (1934) through its definitive frames.

The movie is thin, sure. It’s basically a sketch that got stretched into a feature. But who cares? It’s funny. Sometimes a movie just needs to be a vehicle for a star and a couple of good lines. I’ve seen worse, and I’ve seen much more boring stuff from this era. If you’ve got an hour and a half and want something that won't ruin your day, give it a go. Just don't go looking for deep meaning. You won't find it here. 🍸