Diamond Jim (1935) DVD-R

Starring Edward Arnold, Jean Arthur, Binnie Barnes, Cesar Romero, Eric
Blore
Directed by A. Edward Sutherland

Print: black/white
Runtime: 88 min.
Genre: drama
Print Quality: C+

Screenwriter Preston Sturges never lets the facts get in the way of a
good story in this colorful filmed biography of turn-of-the-century
millionaire Diamond Jim Brady. The hearty Edward Arnold stars as Brady,
who parlays a small-time railroad supply firm into a thriving financial
empire. Once he's in the chips, Diamond Jim indulges in his every whim,
lavishing his money on wine, women, song and food — lots and lots of
food. Alas, for all his business acumen, he is never able to find true
romance, striking out twice with coquettish Emma (Jean Arthur) and her
more sedate look-alike Jane (also Jean Arthur). Along, the way, Diamond
Jim also has a casual fling with the fabulous Lillian Russell (Binnie
Barnes), but theirs is more a friendship than an affair. Having paid no
attention to the truth throughout the film, writer Sturges felt no need to
accurately portray Brady's ultimate demise, so he borrows a page from
the old George Arliss vehicle Old English by having Diamond Jim
deliberately eat himself to death. Edward Arnold would repeat his
Diamond Jim Brady characterization opposite Alice Faye in 1940's Lillian
Russell.