Comrade X (1940)
6/10
Astonishingly Bad
26 January 2003
Hysterical anti-commie propaganda. A loony and implausible plot. A howlingly bad performance by Hedy Lamarr, trying to do a Garbo-as-Ninotchka impression, though sounding more like a particularly inept porn star monotoning through her lame dialogue. Clark Gable is stiff and goofy as ever, though still strangely charming as ever. He hasn't an ounce of chemistry with Hedy Lamarr, though it would be hard for anyone to make sparks with that sack of wet--though beautiful--cement. There are a few genuinely and intentionally hilarious moments. The tank chase was classic.

I should probably rate this film a 4/10, because that's honestly about what it deserves. But it was so ludicrous, so breathtaking in its absurdity, it made for oddly compelling viewing. Kudos to King Vidor for allowing this film to be bad, because it would have been horrible if he'd tried to make it good, given the raw materials he had to work with.

6/10
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