James Murray, star of King Vidor's "The Crowd" (1928), had a checkered sound career. His one powerful scene as the train brakeman in "Baby Face" (1933) was censored before the movie hit theaters (although, pleasing to report, it has been restored in the Warner DVD release).
In the Grapevine Video 7/10 DVD, "High Gear" (1933) release, we discover that James Murray actually has a pleasingly strong voice, although joined to a somewhat bland personality.
Admittedly, the script in which a juvenile Jackie Searl is allowed to run riot, does not favor Murray, while those masters of comic relief, Eddie Lambert and Ann Brody, are also allowed to steal scenes right, left and center.
Leigh Jason's uninspired direction doesn't help Murray either. And even worse, the screenplay's noirish aspects are toned down almost to the point of non-existence.
Also poorly treated is heroine Joan Marsh who ends up making no impression at all,
In the Grapevine Video 7/10 DVD, "High Gear" (1933) release, we discover that James Murray actually has a pleasingly strong voice, although joined to a somewhat bland personality.
Admittedly, the script in which a juvenile Jackie Searl is allowed to run riot, does not favor Murray, while those masters of comic relief, Eddie Lambert and Ann Brody, are also allowed to steal scenes right, left and center.
Leigh Jason's uninspired direction doesn't help Murray either. And even worse, the screenplay's noirish aspects are toned down almost to the point of non-existence.
Also poorly treated is heroine Joan Marsh who ends up making no impression at all,