The Phantom Lady movie trailer (1944)

Sadie McKee (1934)

In 1934, Franchot stars with Joan Crawford, Gene Raymond, and Edward Arnold in the romantic drama Sadie McKee. Sadie (Joan Crawford) has known Michael (Franchot Tone) her entire life. Sadie's mother works as a cook and servant for Michael's wealthy family on their estate.  Sadie and Michael grew up as playmates and reminisce about the mischief they created together. Michael is clearly attracted to Sadie, but loses her friendship when he convinces his father to dismiss Sadie's beau Tommy (played by Gene Raymond) from their company.

Sadie compromises her virtue and follows Tommy to New York, where he promises to marry her. When Tommy skips out on Sadie for an entertainment career, Sadie becomes a dancer and attracts the attention of the kind and wealthy drunk, Brennan (Edward Arnold). Michael happens to be Brennan's lawyer and friend, and is angered by this union of convenience.

Michael soon realizes that Sadie has good intentions and strives to fix their severed friendship.

Joan and Franchot's chemistry is palpable in every scene.Will Sadie reunite with her first love Tommy, take a chance with childhood friend Michael, or stay true to the loveable millionaire Brennan? Watch Sadie McKee to find out!

Sadie McKee is available in the Joan Crawford Collection, Volume 2 DVD set on Amazon.com

At the time of this writing, Sadie McKee is streaming online at Warner Archive Instant.

Three Thirds of the Nation

Franchot waiting for his cue during a 1942 recording of the War Production Board radio show Three Thirds of the Nation.

Image Source: Wiki Commons

This Woman is Mine (1941)

Some of my favorite screenshots I've been able to capture of Franchot!

As Robert Stevens in Frank Lloyd's 1941 film This Woman is Mine, Franchot Tone gets the chance to display a bit of stubble and throw a few punches. The sea-based action film is slightly reminiscent of Mutiny on the Bounty as Franchot's character is a gentle novice learning the ropes of sailing and the threat of mutiny is afloat. That being said, it is not so similar to Mutiny that you shouldn't watch and enjoy this film.

It has its own plotline concerning a female singer named Julie who is duped by the womanizing, but likeable Ovide into stowing away on the ship until he can marry her. Julie is played by actress Carol Bruce, who I had never seen before and liked very much. She only made a handful of movies, but she has a lifelong list of credits in theater and television (her most famous being the Broadway revival of Showboat in the late 40s). Carol struck me as having a very modern look and sound for the 1940s. Ovide is a rascal, portrayed with humor and heart by John Carroll.

Franchot Tone's character Robert Stevens is wrongly blamed for Julie's presence on the ship after she is discovered by the captain in Robert's quarters. Robert, a quiet, bookish man, goes out of his way to protect Julie. Because of this, Robert continues to irk the captain and receive punishment. While Robert's feelings for Julie grow, Ovide tries to woo her at every open opportunity. Realizing Ovide has no intention of marrying her, Julie begins to develop feelings for the kind, steady Robert.

When a trade with Native Americans goes badly, Robert steps into action, proving himself just as tough as his fellow shipmates. This Woman is Mine is a great little action-adventure film and those who have only seen Franchot in tails and top hat should check it out to see him in a different role.

At the time of this writing, This Woman is Mine can be viewed on Youtube.

Franchot Tone on Himself

I’ve never had any setbacks. I’ve always lived in the style to which I’m accustomed. I’ve never been out of work. Most important to me, I have never had to take an acting job that I didn’t want to do.”

-Franchot Tone 

 

Source: "Who Has Ever Had a Better Time?" T.V. Guide, 1966: 13. Print.

 

Bombshell (1933)

One of Franchot's earliest films is Bombshell (1933) and he looks so youthful in it! The film stars Jean Harlow as Lola Burns, a popular movie star with an infamous reputation. She is seeking to clean up her image, but none of her plans seem to work. Lola is also trying to distance herself from Space Hanlon (Lee Tracy), her meddling publicist who presents one scheme after another.

Franchot doesn't make an appearance until the movie is more than halfway over. He is Gifford Middleton, a wealthy suitor of Lola's after he seems to appear out of nowhere to rescue her from an assailant. Lola falls for Gifford immediately and deeply. As Gifford, Franchot lays it on thick! He uses an accent and utters over-the-top declarations of love. There is, however, a reason for his deliberately dramatic character, and it is revealed in hilarious fashion!

 

When Lola and Gifford's very different families meet for the first time, it is not a success. Frank Morgan is wonderful as Lola's uncouth father.

Bombshell features Franchot Tone at his comedic finest! It is a brief role, but full of witty lines, laugh-out-loud scenes, and funny faces. Franchot was a very busy actor in Hollywood in 1933. In addition to Bombshell, he also filmed Today We Live, Gabriel Over the White House, Midnight Mary, The Stranger's Return, Stage Mother, and Dancing Lady.

 

Bombshell is available on DVD on Amazon.