Lady by Choice (1934)

She is the basic motif for see this lovely film, nice, sweet, charming. because Carole Lombard has her ordinary job and Walter Connolly has the status of glue of a so familiar story about love, money, succes and values. May Robson does more than an inspired character but she has the gift to translate the spirit of a great way to discover the world . and this is the gift of this film who has the virtue to be a trip in past. sure, a film more as slice from the spirit of a time than a great artistic work. but good opportunity for fair smile and comfortable atmosphere. and this is one of real good points of a movie who propose the flavor of a lost period.

Available on an excellent TCM DVD, "Lady By Choice" is a must-have for both May Robson and Carole Lombard fans. Although second in the billing, Robson actually has the lead role and we are introduced to her right from the start when her delightfully gin-soaked character disturbs a rendition of "Mother", and is arrested. In court, we are introduced to Miss Lombard (the "Human Heatwave"), her manager and publicity man. But after a brief squabble with the judge (Walter Connolly), the radiantly photographed – by Ted Tetzlaff – Lombard disappears from view for over twenty minutes. In the meantime, Miss Robson is allowed to ham it up – which she does with pleasing gusto! Then Lombard returns with the bright idea of adopting Robson as her mother! Roger Pryor makes rather a weak fist of the hero, but all the rest of the players offer solid support. David Burton's direction is far superior to his material and I am amazed he did not have the really splendid Hollywood career he obviously deserved. This movie is available on an excellent TCM DVD.

Carole Lombard has a good role as a fan dancer in Lady by Choice. She plays a gal that adopts an old woman (May Robson) to improve both their images. Though the premise seems improbable, the two actresses work so charmingly together that any doubt about the story working is quickly dismissed. The relationship depicted between the two characters seems real, and it is played for laughs as well as tears. They are affectionate and they bicker, acting just like family. The film moves at a quick pace, and none of it seems belabored. The point being made about how women of different generations look out for one another is done in an interesting and entertaining way.

May Robson and Carole Lombard are both excellent as something like mother and daughter in this fast moving and enjoyable comedy.Robson is the likable but down-and-out hard drinker who winds up before judge Walter Connolly for starting a riot in a bar; it's her seventh or eighth time up on charges, and he finally sends her off to a home for old ladies. Meanwhile, fan dancer Lombard is brought into the same courtroom for a morals code violation—actually a failed publicity stunt arranged by her agent. Setting out to find some good publicity, Lombard hits on the idea of "adopting" a mother. Discovering Robson in the old ladies' home, Lombard takes her home, dresses her up, calls up some reporters, and has some pictures taken. The plan is to quickly pay off the old lady and get her to scram; however, the two women begin to get acquainted….The rest of the plot is hardly surprising; Lombard sums it up nicely at one point: "I did it for a publicity gag. But she got under my skin." Roger Pryor is fine as the lawyer who has an old family connection with Robson, and takes an interest in Lombard. Walter Connolly is excellent as usual as the judge—though he puts on many faces (stern, concerned, exasperated) he is of course at heart an old softie.No huge surprises but quite satisfying overall; the plot and script are no great shakes but it's all made more than worthwhile by top efforts from Lombard and Robson.