[7]
Sylvia Sidney and George Raft star in this odd, romantic comedy from Fritz Lang (Fury, Metropolis). The two play ex-convicts who find gainful employment with a department store owner (Harry Carey) who believes in second chances. They fall in love and get married, even though its against their parole stipulations. When a secret from Sidney’s past makes Raft question their relationship, he’s tempted to rob the store with several of his old gangster friends, throwing any future marital bliss into jeopardy.
You and Me resolves in an improbable, didactic way that’s sure to test your suspension of disbelief. It’s best to think of the story taking place only ‘in the movies’ instead of real life. If you can run with the script’s naivete and excessive good will, you’ll be rewarded. Sidney and Raft have great chemistry and their relationship is a surprisingly charming one. The film’s at its best when they nervously admit their affection to each other, get married, and go home together — all in one night. When their relationship’s on the rocks, we actually feel something for these characters and root for them to get back together. Romantic subplots are ubiquitous, but they rarely feel this authentic or moving.
Another highlight of the movie is Lang’s strange inclusion of three musical numbers by Kurt Weill and Sam Coslow that feature dreamy, montage-style footage. The third number, “The Knocking Song”, is an especially intriguing rap-and-percussion piece in which Raft and his old ex-con buddies wistfully reminisce about the their jail days. Despite the inclusion of these sequences, You and Me doesn’t really feel like a musical. It’s more like an experiment on Lang’s part, pushing boundaries and blending genres. And that’s pretty cool.
With memorable supporting turns by Vera Gordon as Sylvia Sidney’s protective landlord, and Warren Hymer as the most dim-witted of George Raft’s ex-con pals. Barton MacLane, Roscoe Karns, and George E. Stone also appear.