Black Sheep

"Black Sheep" is unheralded, underrated, far-fetched and great fun. Loved every minute of the snappy dialogue and the fast-paced plot. I wished they had made a series of these as it was very entertaining - it's what makes people sing "That's Entertainment" when watching a terrific movie (They do, don't they?) Good chemistry between Lowe and Trevor, who shows a flair for comedy I didn't know she had. Lowe is suave and debonair - he played too many roles requiring a dour and serious demeanor and here he gets a chance to smile and unwind in this breezy comedy. It is dated and takes place aboard a transatlantic ocean liner with the accompanying obsolete manners and customs, but if you are a fan of the best movies of Hollywood's so-called Golden Age, this one's for you.

Black Sheep (1935) ** (out of 4) A professional gambler (Edmund Lowe) and a dancer (Claire Trevor) meet on a cruise ship and decide to pull a sting against a money hungry widow and a Texas oilman. This film has been pretty much forgotten over the years but it had a good reputation so I gave it a shot but it really didn't work for me. I've never been a fan of Lowe, who I find pretty dull as an actor but Trevor did manage to get a few nice laughs. The subplot dealing with Lowe's son was forced and wasn't believable while the actual sting is also quite boring and director Allan Dwan never manages any excitement.

I love this movie. I have a copy and I watch it frequently and I'm never bored. The theme song that streams practically through the entire movie is a catchy little number and just enhances the '30's stuff. By now all the reviewers have let you in on the plot. I must concur that parts of the plot are too convenient...like in this whole wide world a pro cruise ship gambler meets his physical past on a cruise ship but so what. There's Claire Trevor who was so cool. No Clark Gable but a fetching Edmund Lowe. Adrienne Ames being so appealing spending time with a very young man. I see how a young impressionable young man would be attracted to her and better yet be her dupe. Trevor and Lowe meet, it's a fun interlude...they get wise to Palette,etc...Lowe meets his past and saves the same's fate. The whole movie is not long on running time, easy to watch, fun on listening and one can see that some talent and a fun script can make a small movie set have you on a wonderful cruise.