Here's one for Tom Fadden's fans! As "Long", Tom has one of his biggest roles ever! Also in a sizable role is rarely-seen Dorothy Comingore, who made such a huge impression in Citizen Kane. Here she plays Helen Parker, and is billed fourth to William Bendix (in the title role), Susan Hayward, and John Loder. Yes, this variant of Beauty and the Beast is earnestly acted. At times, it's even imaginatively directed by Irving Pichel and adroitly edited by William Ziegler. It's also well designed by art director, James Sullivan, and attractively costumed by the star, Susan Hayward, herself, who looks particularly attractive in her flowing robes. Lucien Andriot's adroit photography is also a sizable asset – particularly his delicate close-ups of Miss Hayward. However, it's hard to believe that the ordinary dialogue, stereotyped characters and predictable plotting have their genesis in a play by Eugene O'Neill. The movie is often not only too talky but incredibly static. The characters seem to spend forever just turning lights on and off!
Review of The Hairy Ape
