UP POPS THE DEVIL

 

This is another early Paramount film starring Carole Lombard, released in 1931. It reunites Lombard with Norman Foster and Skeets Gallagher, her co-stars from IT PAYS TO ADVERTISE--but that fact is nothing to get excited about. 

Norman Foster is Steve Merrick, a regular guy who has aspirations to be a writer. Carole Lombard is Steve's girlfriend Anne. Steve wants to marry Anne, but she believes their fun-loving lifestyle will prevent him from focusing on his writing. The couple marry, and Anne gets a job as a dancer, so Steve can stay home and write. Steve isn't happy about stuck at home, and the idea that Anne is the breadwinner. The two break up, but reunite with the news that Anne is going to have a baby. 

UP POPS THE DEVIL was based on a stage play, and it shows. It's a static, talky film, and even a comedy specialist like its director, Edward Sutherland, can't do much with it. Throughout much of the running time various eccentric characters randomly pop in and out of Steve and Anne's apartment. (I thought this element of the story was the basis of the title, but that comes from a line of dialogue.) The uninvited guests are played by Skeets Gallagher, Stuart Erwin, Lilyan Tashman, Joyce Compton, Willie Best, and others, Their collective antics are supposed to be funny, but they just get in the way of main plot. 

Norman Foster gives another whiny, annoying performance as Steve. In the actor's defense, the character isn't very appealing. At first Steve complains that he doesn't have enough time to write (mainly due to his own partying), but when he is given plenty of time to work, he whines about being stuck at home and is embarrassed about his wife being the "man" of the house. With roles like these, it's no wonder that Foster quit acting to become a movie director. 

Carole Lombard once again is stuck with a weak leading man character, and once again I have to state that one wonders what her character sees in such an underwhelming guy. The only surprise there is in Anne leaving Steve is that it didn't happen sooner. Being that this is a classic Hollywood studio film, you know that the couple will be reunited at the end, but one wishes the sensible, responsible (and very attractive) Anne find someone way better. 

It would take a while for Lombard to find her stride as an actress, and for Hollywood studios to figure out how to use her best. UP POPS THE DEVIL is not on the list as one of Lombard's career high points.