Guy Kibbee, in amiable-idiot mode, is mistakenly made a gubernatorial candidate and cruises to victory with the help of scheming publicist Warren William, who's romancing campaign assistant Bette Davis, who looks bored in this conventional-leading-lady role. It's a lively pre-Code Warners satire that doesn't go very deep, not really saying anything about elections beyond "everybody's a crook." But it's fun going, with Frank McHugh as a campaign troubleshooter and Vivienne Osborne making the most of a nasty role as William's treacherous ex-wife. Even William, who didn't often show a lot of life, really gets into this part and looks like he's having fun. Much of the flummery on display could easily be updated to present-day electioneering-- just add TV and Twitter and stir. An enjoyable quickie.
Review of The Dark Horse
