Here are the five nominees: (Winner in Bold)
Biggest Snub:
Charlie Chaplin – City Lights
My Overall Thoughts:
This was a great year with 3 very worthy nominees that any of them could have been deserving of winning for their work.
My Rankings:
Directing
2. King Vidor
1. Josef von Sternberg
Movies
3. Bad Girl – Very interesting premise that is quite timeless and allows us to see a story that could also happen nowadays when couples have a lack of proper communication between themselves. The script is clever and the dialogue works really well. The cast is great with Dunn and Eilers doing fine jobs as the two leads. Won two of its three Oscar nominations (Director and Adapted Story) yet lost Best Picture that year to Grand Hotel (1932).
2. The Champ – Great story about issues that weren’t really discussed at the time. The connection between the Champ and Dink works really well and it’s easy to believe that they are really father and son. Beery deservingly won an Oscar for best actor for this role because we really can feel the pain and difficulties that he constantly faces and tries to overcome.
1. Shanghai Express – Thrilling mystery set in an exotic location which keeps things interesting the whole way through. The mix of characters works really well and they do a great job of slowly giving us pertinent information as things move along. Great cast led by Dietrich.
Do I agree with the Oscar winner? – Yep! Any of the three could have won this year and Von Sternberg was a worthy choice.
Let me know what you think about these films and my rankings!
