Friday, May 30, 2025

Arsene Lupin

Arsene Lupin (1932)

Runtime: 84 minutes

Directed by: Jack Conway

Starring: John and Lionel Barrymore, Karen Morley, John Miljean, Tully Marshall

From: MGM

“Clearing my DVR” is the main reason why this film was selected. That recording was made in the middle of April off of Turner Classic Movies and while there are even older recordings on the DVR that need to be viewed eventually, deciding to see something of this vintage also made last night. I’ve never watched the recent Netflix show Lupin but for those that did and want to see more from the French literary character created by Maurice Leblanc… 

It was an amiable delight viewing brothers John and Lionel Barrymore in this Parisian-set caper/mystery as the title character is a gentleman thief who the audience discovers early on is the Duke of Charmerace. John is the Duke/Arsene, while Lionel is the detective after him. Meanwhile, Karen Morley was more than just a love interest for the Duke-the particulars as to why won’t be spoiled. Although, I will say that Arsene doesn’t always act gentlemanly… he is such a masterful thief, the idea of stealing the Mona Lisa is not so outlandish.
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Besides the brothers acting against each other in a game of cat and mouse, the highlight was the ravishing Morley and her chemistry with John. They were the source for most of the Pre-Code spiciness. A boss ending made Arsene Lupin the movie a pretty good time.


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