What a Man

About This Movie

So, 'What a Man' from 1930 is an interesting little film. It has that delightful blend of comedy and romance that feels quite charming for its time. You’ve got Wade Rawlings, a down-on-his-luck ex-Captain, whose journey from wealth to being a chauffeur is both heartwarming and lightly absurd. The pacing has its quirks, with moments of genuine wit and some slower stretches that may test the modern viewer's patience. The performances are earnest, especially in how they navigate themes of redemption and social class. It’s not something you’d call groundbreaking, but it has a distinct feel, likely due to the era it was made in. It captures a slice of American life in the 1930s quite well.

'What a Man' is a bit elusive in the collector's realm. It wasn’t heavily circulated, and prints can be scarce, so finding a decent copy is a challenge. Many collectors appreciate it for the peek it provides into pre-Code cinema. The tonal shifts and character explorations are interesting, reflecting the transitional period of early sound films. It’s definitely one of those gems that intrigue those who enjoy the nuances of early 20th-century filmmaking.