Main Cast: Ann Harding, Frank Morgan, Katherine Alexander, Reginald Owen, Jane Baxter
Release Year: 1935
Country: US
Run Time: 66 minutes
Plot
Enchanted April was adapted for the screen from the novel by "Elisabeth" and play by Kane Campbell. Neglected by her novelist husband Mellersh Wilkins (Frank Morgan), repressed Lotty Wilkins (Ann Harding) and her best friend Rose Arbuthnot (Katherine Alexander) impulsively rent an Italian castle during the month of April. Like Lotty, Rose hopes to briefly escape her humdrum marriage to pompous barrister Henry Arbuthnot (Reginald Owen). The two ladies are eventually joined by bejeweled dowager Mrs. Fisher (Jessie Ralph) and young heiress Lady Caroline (Jane Baxter), likewise seeking a respite from a male-dominated society. For the next 30 days, the convivial foursome revels in their newfound liberation, leading to all sorts of unexpected complications. A mixed bag, Enchanted April was better served by director Mike Newell's 1991 remake. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Review
It’s somewhat surprising that the 1935 version of Enchanted April is so inferior to the 1991 filming. After all, the earlier April was closer in time to the setting than the remake, and one usually assumes that more modern films will not give such delicate material the appropriate touch. Unfortunately, the reverse is true in this case, with the 1935 April a much coarser and more obvious adaptation of the novel and play. Indeed, for a piece of material that is basically ethereal, director Harry Beaumont and his writing team have treated it in a most heavy-handed and cloddish manner. There’s little wit or sparkle, with the comedy for the most part being played in an inappropriately broad manner that rips at the fabric of the piece. The romantic aspects of the film are given a rather pedestrian treatment; there’s no magic to the film. The audience sees the change that comes about in the quartet of leading ladies, but it happens all at once rather than gradually, and as a result is lacking in credibility. There’s also a lack of atmosphere, thanks in large part to the studio-bound lensing of a picture that cries out for location shooting. The cast tries hard, especially Ann Harding, but only Jessie Ralph truly succeeds in capturing her character. Although this April is not a total loss, the remake is far more enchanting. ~ Craig Butler, All Movie Guide
