mark.waltz Having been made famously as a silent film that won Janet Gaynor the first ever Best Actress Oscar (along with several other films made around the same time), this remake is beautifully remade, but in many ways, appears to have been meant to be silent. The era of World War I Paris is the setting for this romance of two outsiders: a sewer worker (James Stewart) who wants to work above ground, and a cabaret "hostess" (Simone Simon) whose cruel sister (Gale Sondergaard at her most sinister) passes her off to male clients as if she was a pair of old shoes. Tired of her sister's cruelty, Simon longs to get away, and thanks to Stewart who catches Sondergaard beating her, she does, threatening to dump her into the sewer if she doesn't stay away from her sister. Determined to protect the innocent young Simon, Stewart claims to be married to her, and moves her into his apartment building where their romance expands into love. But with the onslaught of World War I and Stewart's sudden draft, that leaves Simon open to the machinations of the vengeful Sondergaard, and tragedy rears its ugly head as Simon gains the strength to stand up for herself and find her own inner heaven.This has some fantastic moments throughout, from the beautiful but dangerous setting to the sequence where Stewart nearly dumps Sondergaard into the abyss of the Paris underground, to those small romantic moments between Simon and Stewart, and then Simon's response to Sondergaard's return and the tragic situation of Stewart being off at war and believed to be dead. Simon's girlish performance makes her seem weak at first, but even in a dooey eyed doe is a mama lioness in the making, and her roar is unforgettable in a triumphant scene that will have you cheering her on. Jean Hersholt is memorable as a local priest who questions Stewart on his atheism, and Sig Ruman is hilariously piggish as a customer of Sondergaard's who takes his date with Simon too far. Other memorable cast members include Gregory Ratoff as a local rebel, Rafaela Ottiano as a nosy neighbor of Stewart's, and Mady Christians as a motherly woman in Stewart's building who becomes Simon's protector, for as long as she needs one. For all of the silent elements transferred over with the use of dialog, this is still a very memorable melodrama that will leave you touched, right up to the inspiring fadeout.

utgard14 Talkie remake of the silent classic about the romance between a sewer worker and an abused woman in WWI-era Paris. The original is one of my favorite silent films, with beautiful performances by Janet Gaynor and Charles Farrell, and excellent direction by Frank Borzage. This one is good on its own but it's lacking the magic the first film had.Some are going to balk at Stewart playing a Frenchman but it was common for American actors back then not to attempt accents when playing foreign parts. It doesn't bother me. I never really get that criticism anyway. How is using an accent but speaking English instead of French any better or more authentic? Stewart does a fine job. Not one of his best performances but nothing to be embarrassed about. Simone Simon is one of the most beautiful women to ever appear on film. The camera is absolutely in love with her. She's also great in this role, bringing sensitivity and gentleness to the part like few other actresses of the time could have done. Jimmy and Simone, while individually appealing, don't have much romantic chemistry. Still, I defy anyone's heart not to melt when Simone gets the soft light treatment & begs Jimmy to say sweet things to her. The supporting cast is good. Gale Sondergaard, Jean Hersholt, Gregory Ratoff, J. Edward Bromberg, John Qualen, and Sig Ruman are among the top-notch actors in this.It's an entertaining movie with a lot to like about it. It probably helps if you haven't seen the original, which is just perfect. Still, I adore any movie with Simone Simon so I definitely recommend you check this out for her, if nothing else.

jotix100 Chico, a sewer worker in Paris rescues Diane, a prostitute, from the police. He not only offers his protection, but also his unending love. Diane, who up to that point had been abused by many people, suddenly realizes the love she receives from Chico lifts her from a dreary existence and helps her find her own voice. Alas, war intervenes at the time the couple decides to get married. Chico, an avowed atheist, invents his own wedding vows as he and Diane exchange chains to wear around their necks instead of the customary ring. Both make a promise to chant their names and pretend they are in heaven at 11am each day. The ritual keeps them hoping for an eventual happy life together in peaceful times. This 1937 release directed by Henry King, is seldom seen these days. The basic reason for watching it again is the sweet presence of Simone Simon and James Stewart. These two actors contributed to make the film much better than it should have been if played by others. Ms. Simon, one of the most beautiful faces in the French cinema, had a wonderful screen presence that works well opposite to the young and disarming James Stewart, at one of the best points of his budding career.Others in the cast included Jean Hersholt, who appears as the priest that tries to convert Chico. This is the same actor whose name is synonymous with worthwhile causes within the film industry and who died much to young to continue his humanitarian work. Also, Gregory Ratoff, Gale Sondergaard, Sig Ruman and J. Edward Bromberg and the rest do great work in the film.The copy shown on cable was not exactly the best, but as in other memorable films, what matters is the story and the great performances that Henry King got from everyone.

jdport I agree with the previous review. I've only seen this movie once but it has stuck with me. This is a movie about a sewer worker (a very young Jimmy Stewart) who aspires to work as a street sweeper. This is the epitome of jobs in his viewpoint. He is determined to achieve this goal as he considers himself "quite a remarkable fellow". He also falls in love with a young woman who is entranced with this remarkable fellow. He eventually achieves both of his goals.