Hollywood has had many pairings of their stars. There was John Gilbert and Greta Garbo, Spencer Tracy and Katherine Hepburn and Henry Fonda and Barbara Stanwyck. There was in this movie, the dream pairing of the two biggest comedy stars of the 1930’s. That was Cary Grant and Carole Lombard. They both made it to Hollywood the hard way. Grant performed in London music halls and then went to America. He made it to Hollywood and became a star. Lombard left school and did stage work. She later did slapstick comedies for Mack Sennett. This set her on the path to becoming the best comedienne of the decade.
Cary Grant plays Alec Walker, who is trapped in a loveless marriage to Maida, (Kay Francis). He even goes out on the town with other women. This includes Maida’s good friend, Suzanne Duross, (Helen Vinson). This doesn’t help Alec feel better. He is even miserable at his job. He works at his father’s company. Mr. Walker, (Charles Coburn) can’t understand his son’s inability to accept responsibility. Coburn plays his part well. He was one of the best character actors of his day.
Alec Walker’s life seems very empty. That is until he meets a widow named Julie Eden. She is played exceptionally well by Carole Lombard. Walker sees in her everything he could ever want in a woman. The only problem is his very selfish, unfeeling and gold digging wife, Maida. Alec can’t get Julie out of his mind. He also can’t stay away from her. This leads to his wife confronting Julie, and threatening her. Alec finds his only happiness gone, and goes to a motel. He drinks himself into a stupor, and falls asleep in front of an open window. It is winter and Alec’s exposure gives him pneumonia. He is found and nursed back to health by Julie. This leads to a confrontation with the family and Maida.
In Name Only has two huge comedy stars in it. The movie isn’t really a comedy. It is more of a straight romance. Alec despite wealth and a beautiful wife is desperately unhappy. Julie, although thoroughly charming is a widow, raising a little girl. The terrific story was written by Richard Sherman and Bessie Breuer. They didn’t write much for Hollywood, but this story stands out.
John Cromwell directed many charming movies. This qualifies. A director’s job is to see that production runs smoothly. Another job, that can be challenging is working with stars. He managed to work well with Grant and Lombard. He gets fine performances from them. His skill as a director probably stems from his acting. He appeared in Shakespeare plays with Katherine Cornell and John Gielgud. He also acted in a few movies before directing. He has crafted with In Name Only, a very enjoyable film.
The stars of this film had their careers go in different directions. Carole Lombard continued to act in movies for two more years. She received accolades for her performances in Mr and Mrs. Smith and To Be or Not to Be. She married Clark Gable in 1939, making them Hollywood’s glamor couple. It seemed a perfect marriage. Unfortunately it ended in tragedy. Carole Lombard was killed in a plane crash on January 16, 1942.
Cary Grant’s career went onward and upward after this movie. He appeared in several comedies and dramas. He worked with Alfred Hitchcock on several films. This helped his career a great deal. He was able to transition into films, by playing middle aged men very well. This is something actors have difficulty doing. Grant still kept his charm and his looks. He was a very successful actor and retired at the top of his game in 1966. He still remained in public life, being involved in several corporations.
A movie like In Name Only fits the times. It is a simple and charming movie. It tugs at the heartstrings, and like others, has performances that carry it. There are many films made today that rely on effects, and not enough acting. A film like In Name Only goes back to a simpler time, when acting and story carried the movie.