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5.4/10
Senior Film Conservator
A definitive 5.4/10 rating for a film that redefined the boundaries of cult cinema. Reaching for the Moon remains a cornerstone of transgressive art.
“Reaching for the Moon,” from way back in 1930, is honestly a bit of a mixed bag today. If you're into old Hollywood charm, especially early talkies, and don't mind some dated humor, you might find it quite fun. But if you expect snappy dialogue or a modern romance, you'll probably be bored stiff. It's a curiosity more than a classic must-see for everyone. 🤷♀️
The story kicks off with Larry Day (Douglas Fairbanks), a Wall Street hotshot. He's got all the money, but when it comes to, you know, feelings, he's a bit clueless. His valet, played by Edward Everett Horton, takes it upon himself to give Larry some pointers. This whole setup feels kinda strange, almost like a stage play at times.
Fairbanks, bless him, is still doing his swashbuckling moves, even without a sword. He practically leaps onto a ship to follow Vivian Benton (Bebe Daniels), the woman he fancies. The ship scenes, you know, that's where the movie really kinda perks up. Lots of dancing, big band music, and folks looking mighty dapper. You can almost feel the chill of the ocean, even in black and white. 🚢
Then comes the “love potion” bit. 🧪 Seriously, they drug Vivian with some concoction in her cocktail. It’s supposed to make her fall for Larry. This whole sequence is... well, it hasn't aged gracefully. It makes you wince a little. The humor here feels forced and, honestly, a little creepy by modern standards. But I guess that was just how things were in some old movies, I dunno.
Bebe Daniels, as Vivian, is quite good. She handles the weirdness thrown at her with grace. Even when she's supposed to be under the potion's spell, she maintains a certain spark. You can tell she’s a seasoned performer, making the most of some truly odd material. Really.
Bing Crosby shows up! This was neat. He sings a couple of songs, and his voice is just *there*, already so distinct. It's a real moment, seeing him so young, before he was *the* Bing Crosby. He feels a little out of place, like he wandered in from a different, jazzier movie. His performance of "When the Little Red Roses Get the Blues" is a highlight, though it doesn't really move the plot, really.
The pacing of this movie is... interesting. Some scenes just drag, especially the early ones with Larry and his valet trying to be all witty. But then a dance number will pop up, or Crosby will sing, and it perks right up. It’s very much a product of early sound film, where they were still figuring out how to edit, you know? Sometimes a shot lingers just a bit too long on someone’s reaction. It’s not quite awkward, but it makes you notice it.
The market crash, when it finally hits, feels a bit sudden. Larry loses his fortune, and his whole demeanor changes. It’s a good contrast to the earlier bubbly rich-guy stuff. The shift in tone is quite jarring, actually. One minute it's champagne and love potions, the next it's economic dread. 📉
There's a scene where Larry is just sitting there, looking lost. The camera holds on him for a while. It’s effective. You really get that sense of despair, even if it’s a bit melodramatic. He feels like he's lost Vivian too, not just the money. The emotional stakes are supposed to be high here, and you can tell Fairbanks is really trying to sell it. Bless his heart.
I found myself wondering about the extras in some of the ship scenes. They’re all so perfectly dressed. Like, did they have to bring their own formal wear? Or did the studio just have an endless supply of tuxedos and gowns? It's those little background details that stick
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