Buster Crabbe, Ida Lupino, James Gleason, and Robert Armstrong, from the original King Kong, star in this film about an opportunist who tries to profit from people trying to learn how to get thin and make themselves beautiful and sexy-looking. Armstrong and Gleason are the leads who start a health magazine, with the endorsement of an athlete, played by Crabbe. Ultimately a health "farm" and resort are built to help people learn the healthy lifestyle. Made in 1934, right before the Hays Production banned explicit and amoral or immoral material in films, this films gets away with a lot. So, obviously this film has a place in American film history. But watching it, I'm sure, most people will not be thinking of it in terms of being historically important. There's cheesecake and beefcake and risqué innuendos in this film to satisfy anyone, except those brought up on "American Pie" movies, maybe. It's like a cross between circus and a car wreck; you can't not look. This film delivers human drama (Ida falling for Buster) and wry humor and quick one-liners like James Gleason's "I have nothing against sex. Either you have it or you're looking for it." There's really nothing left to say!
Review of Search for Beauty
Search for Beauty
(1934)
Here's What You're Looking For Right Here, Baby!
1 December 2011
Warning: Spoilers