Awesome Movie

I cannot think of one single thing that I would change about this film. The acting is incomparable, the directing deft, and the writing poignantly brilliant.

what a terribly boring film. I'm sorry but this is absolutely not deserving of best picture and will be forgotten quickly. Entertaining and engaging cinema? No. Nothing performances with flat faces and mistaking silence for subtlety.

One of the film's great tricks is that, for a time, you think it will go down a rabbit hole of unrealistic glorification.

Lady for a Day (1933) *** (out of 4) Sentimental tale of an apple peddler (May Robson) who hasn't seen her daughter for decades but has been telling her that she's a rich woman living in a fancy hotel. When the daughter comes to visit, the poor woman has nothing to do but a nice gambler (Warren William) decides to turn her into a lady but the plans don't go as expected. I've got rather mixed feelings on this film because I think it starts off brilliantly but slowly goes downhill as the comedy tries to take over. The opening scenes in the hotel with Robson begging for her letter are downright heartbreaking and its moments like these that I love. The final third of the film has William's character taking the spotlight and I think this is where the film goes a little flat. William is very good in his role but everything written around his character is pretty flat. The whole madcap of the police following him on the big night is suppose to be funny but it never made me laugh. The film finally picks up at the very end when Robson must talk to her daughter about the truth. As for Robson, she's terrific in the film and those early moments of her in the hotel are masterfully acted. Guy Kibbee is also terrific as the man who agrees to act as her husband.

May Robson is simply wonderful as the bag lady, Apple Annie. This is one of her finest performances and she brings a lot of heart and excellent acting to the role. Warren William, though not one of my favorite actors, is perfect for the part as the lovable cad who decides to do Annie a good deed and help her pose as a decent society lady to fool her child who has been away at boarding school and has not idea of the type of woman Annie is. Frank Capra's direction, pacing and cinematography are all excellent--this is a nice piece of art. Many years later, by the way, Capra remade this film as POCKETFUL OF MIRACLES, but it in no way equals the original--it's just too brash and forced. See this film and see how good old films were made.

Others have said it all! However, check out the beautiful love scene photographed through a glass fountain. Absolutely GORGEOUS! Solid performances from the stars right down to the supporting actors. I think we hardly ever see great supporting actors like these any more. Frank Capra wrote about this movie in his autobiography, apparently one of his first hits, using the recipe of lesser-known actors, a great scriptwriter, and a low budget. He relies heavily on the great supporting actors available to him and gave them all a Runyon-esquire quality which never fails to please. They are all just great! Check this movie out! It gets better every time I see it!

this is the film that precedes IT HAPPENED ONE NIGHT for the team of Frank Capra (director) and Robert Riskin (screenwriter). Sadly it's not regarded as one of his beloved classics...it deserves to be. William Warren is the perfect Dave the Dude, who's heart of gold aids the distressed aged damsel (May Robson...the titled LADY FOR A DAY). Most of it's innocent charm and humor haven't faded over the 71 years since it's release. Speaking of 70's...at 74 May Robson was the oldest actress to receive a Best Actress nomination.the scene near the end; where she's received by the real mayor of New York and his party guests at her phony party (meant to show off her "society" friends to her daughter, and future inlaws) is priceless. Miss Robson's quiet, teary eyed smile will still bring the viewer to near tears today. Also, Guy Kibbie, and Ned Sparks provide reliable comic support. a must see for all Capra fans.