Roxie Hart (1942)
While everyone has seen Chicago, hardly anyone is aware that there was a silver screen version of the story made in 1942. Ironically, it starred dance queen Ginger Rogers but wasn’t a musical. It’s just plain and simple the story of Roxie Hart, a murderess in Chicago who shot her lover and used the publicity of her trial to further her lackluster showbiz career. Except, in 1942, the Production Code wouldn’t allow a heroine to actually do those things – let alone a heroine played by Ginger Rogers. This version of the story has Roxie’s husband as the murderer. She takes the rap because he convinces her that a woman won’t be found guilty.
If you’ve seen the remake, it’s going to be very jarring to watch this alternate version of events. It’s strange to see Roxie as the victim, and to see her in a love triangle when the Roxie Hart we all know only cares about fame. George Montgomery, a reporter, and William Frawley, a juror, are both drawn to Ginger Rogers. A strange triangle, and you’d think it would at least involve her lawyer Billy Flynn. Adolphe Menjou plays the fast-talking defender. He’s very different from Richard Gere, but he still does what the character requires of him.
As the other characters we know, Sara Allgood plays Matron Morton, Spring Byington personifies Mary Sunshine, Helene Reynolds is Velma, and George Chandler is Amos (but remember, he’s a very different Amos). You’ll also see Lynne Overman, Nigel Bruce, Jeff Corey, and Phil Silvers.
Want to watch it? Click here to watch it on ok.ru. And thanks "J W" for posting!
More Jeff Corey movies here!
Be sure and check out Hot Toasty Rag's review of 2002's Chicago here!
If you’ve seen the remake, it’s going to be very jarring to watch this alternate version of events. It’s strange to see Roxie as the victim, and to see her in a love triangle when the Roxie Hart we all know only cares about fame. George Montgomery, a reporter, and William Frawley, a juror, are both drawn to Ginger Rogers. A strange triangle, and you’d think it would at least involve her lawyer Billy Flynn. Adolphe Menjou plays the fast-talking defender. He’s very different from Richard Gere, but he still does what the character requires of him.
As the other characters we know, Sara Allgood plays Matron Morton, Spring Byington personifies Mary Sunshine, Helene Reynolds is Velma, and George Chandler is Amos (but remember, he’s a very different Amos). You’ll also see Lynne Overman, Nigel Bruce, Jeff Corey, and Phil Silvers.
Want to watch it? Click here to watch it on ok.ru. And thanks "J W" for posting!
More Jeff Corey movies here!
Be sure and check out Hot Toasty Rag's review of 2002's Chicago here!