Devil-May-Care (1929)

Now comes another of the old guard to score a sensational success in the audibles. Ramon Novarro, in "Devil May Care," gives one of the finest performances of his career.

The picture itself is bang-up entertainment. The locale is France at the time of Napoleon's banishment to Elba, and Novarro appears as a loyal young Bonapartist officer who falls in love with a royalistic lady.

It is a swashbuckling affair with the star climbing walls, escaping from a firing squad, and kidnapping the heroine. Doug himself would have to get up early to do a better job.

A notable feature is the fact that dialogue does not slow up the action. "Devil May Care" is a moving picture first, and an all-talking picture second. It is romance punctured with subtle comedy.

From a pictorial standpoint the film is lavish. There is France of the chateau country, and a garden fete in honor of Napoleon at Grenoble, done in Technicolor.

Little Dorothy Jordan, as Leouie, the royalist, will be hailed as one of the discoveries of the year. She has vivid beauty and a sparkling personality. The singing end of the production is more than excellently taken care of by Novarro and Marion Harris, revue star. Miss Harris gives a beautiful performance as the countess who gives shelter to the Bonapartist.

Outstanding songs are "Charming," sung by Novarro, and "If He Cared," sung by Miss Harris. All Talkie.

Photoplay February 1930