Watch Chained For Free

the audience applauded

Best movie of this year hands down!

There's no way I can possibly love it entirely but I just think its ridiculously bad, but enjoyable at the same time.

what a terribly boring film. I'm sorry but this is absolutely not deserving of best picture and will be forgotten quickly. Entertaining and engaging cinema? No. Nothing performances with flat faces and mistaking silence for subtlety.

I'm a straight arrow. Been married 44 years, never cheated. Don't smoke, drink or do drugs. But I'm not a prude. I love pre-code films. It's just when I see a really decent guy get the shaft it upsets me. I don't know that anyone other than Otto Kruger could have played this role. He breathes sincerity. In anyone else it would be hilarious or maudlin. He makes the film work. Gable's character has known a lot of women. I think he'll know more, sooner or later. The flame of Crawford's character will turn to dust in time. Yes, it's exciting but it won't last. Until she met Gable her life would have been one of long term serene happiness, thinking only of Kruger while he thought only of her. That's the way to spend a life, or at least the way I've spent mine. Crawford made the wrong choice. If she'd stayed with Kruger I would have given it a 9.Otto Kruger was a better actor than most persons can imagine. He could play a suave fifth columnist who loves his wife and grandson (Saboteur), an action hero (Dracula's Daughter), a caring scientist with a very thin skin (Dr. Erlich's Magic Bullet) and a romantic leading man (Beauty For Sale). And everything in-between. He adds something to every film he's in because he is, in the end, believable.

Beautiful secretary Joan Crawford (as Diane Lovering) enjoys both working and sleeping with the boss, Otto Kruger (as Richard I. Field). Mr. Kruger wants to marry his willing mistress, but the wife refuses to grant him a divorce. To console a disappointed Ms. Crawford, Kruger sends her on a luxury cruise. On the ship, Crawford spurns "hot and bothered" Stuart Erwin (as John "Johnnie" L. Smith) at the bar, intending to be faithful. Then, she meets sexy rancher businessman Clark Gable (as Michael "Mike" Bradley)...Will Crawford stay "Chained" to Kruger, or fall in love with Gable?This is an MGM box office star power production, with Crawford and Gable doing what they do best. "When she's in his arms, it's the grandest thrill the screen can give!" Not quite, but director Clarence Brown and cameraman George Folsey handle the performers very well; the combination showed Crawford in her best light. Highlights include a fast stroll aboard ship, and a shimmering swimming pool sequence. The later includes young Mickey Rooney and pal Delmar Watson cavorting with Gable and Crawford.****** Chained (8/31/34) Clarence Brown ~ Joan Crawford, Clark Gable, Otto Kruger, Stuart Erwin

Forget the plot, as it's the typical 1930s love triangle. You've seen it all before, probably, but Clarence Brown adds his usual sure touch, and the plot unfolds satisfyingly. Crawford is at her most beautiful and glamorous in the role of Diane Lovering. Each scene is like part of a fashion show, with Crawford modeling the latest and greatest of 1934 fashions by Adrian. She is given the full MGM star treatment here, ala Garbo or Shearer. It was said that this was the film in which the cinematographer, and Joan, learned of the lighting which produced what we recognize now as the Joan Crawford face. The viewer can certainly tell in the stunning closeups. Gable is again playing dashing, robust, virile, and has plenty of clever dialog. It's not a standout role for him, but Crawford and Gable always create plenty of sexual chemistry to keep the viewer interested. Overall, CHAINED is an entertaining film, thanks to gorgeous art deco sets, costumes, fine performances by the entire cast, and the usual Gable-Crawford chemistry. The big stars, sex, and glamour manage to carry a fairly routine script.

Rather dull and tiresome romantic triangle once again pairing Gable and Crawford. Joan plays a socialite who falls for dashing Gable on a cruise, but she has husband Kruger waiting for her back home. One highlight is trying to spot a young Mickey Rooney early in the film, playing in a swimming pool.