Dames (1934) Review in 2025
Dames is a 1934 pre-code comedy film that follows the lives of three women, played by Joan Blondell, Kay Francis, and Dottie Dare, as they navigate love, relationships, and careers in the city.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
This movie is not suitable for family viewing due to its mature themes, suggestive content, and some strong language.
CineReview Recommendation
This movie is worth watching for its historical significance and some great comedic moments. However, it's not a must-see and may not hold up to modern standards.
Spoiler Alert!
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The movie revolves around the story of three women who become friends and support each other through their struggles in the city. However, their lives take a turn when they get entangled in a love triangle with a wealthy playboy, played by Dick Powell.
Review Details
story7.00/10
The story is engaging and follows the lives of three women as they navigate love, relationships, and careers in the city. However, the plot is somewhat predictable and lacks depth.
acting7.00/10
The acting is good, with some standout performances from the leads. However, some of the supporting actors feel like they're phoning it in.
characters6.00/10
The characters are well-developed and relatable, but some of them feel like stereotypes. The chemistry between the leads is good, but the supporting characters are underdeveloped.
direction7.00/10
The direction is solid, with some great comedic moments and a good pace. However, the film's tone is inconsistent, veering wildly from slapstick comedy to drama.
cinematography8.00/10
The cinematography is impressive, with some great shots of the city and its inhabitants. The lighting and editing are also noteworthy, adding to the film's overall visual appeal.
Pros and Cons
Pros
The movie has some great comedic moments, impressive cinematography, and a solid direction. The chemistry between the leads is also good.
Cons
The plot is somewhat predictable, the characters feel like stereotypes, and the tone is inconsistent. The supporting actors are also underwhelming.
Notable Quotes
"A dame is a dame, and that's all there is to it."
"A woman's got to have a little bit of everything, or she's not a woman at all."
"I'm not a dame, I'm a woman."
