Dangerous Men: Pre-Code Hollywood and the Birth of the Modern Man

by Mick LaSalle

Using the same mix of accessibility and insider knowledge he used so successfully in Complicated Women , author and film critic Mick LaSalle now turns his attention to the men of the pre-Code Hollywood era.

The five years between 1929 and mid-1934 was a period of loosened censorship that finally ended with the imposition of a harsh Production Code that would, for the next thirty-four years, censor much of the life and honesty out of American movies. Dangerous Men takes a close look at the images of manhood during this pre-Code era, which coincided with an interesting time for men-the culmination of a generation-long transformation in the masculine ideal. By the late twenties, the tumult of a new century had made the nineteenth century's notion of the ideal man seem like a repressed stuffed shirt, a deluded optimist. The smiling, confident hero of just a few years before fell out of favor, and the new heroes who emerged were gangsters, opportunists, sleazy businessmen, shifty lawyers, shell-shocked soldiers-men whose existence threatened the status quo.

In this book, LaSalle highlights such household names as James Cagney, Clark Gable, Edward G. Robinson, Maurice Chevalier, Spencer Tracy, and Gary Cooper, along with lesser-known ones such as Richard Barthelmess, Lee Tracy, Robert Montgomery, and the magnificent Warren William. Together they represent a vision of manhood more exuberant and contentious-and more humane-than anything that has followed on the American screen.

Genres: Film, Nonfiction, Media Tie In, History, Biography

272 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 2002

About the author

Mick LaSalle is an American film critic and the author of two books on pre-code Hollywood. As of March 2008[update], he has written in excess of 1550 reviews for the San Francisco Chronicle,[1] and he has been podcasting them since September 2005.[2]

LaSalle is the author of Complicated Women: Sex and Power in Pre-Code Hollywood, a history/critical study of the actresses who worked in the film industry between 1929-1934. It was published by Thomas Dunne Books in 2000. In his review in The New York Times, Andy Webster called it "an overdue examination of a historic conflict between Hollywood and would-be monitors of morality" and added LaSalle "has an avuncular but informative style, and makes his points with a relaxed economy."[3]

The book served as the basis for the documentary film Complicated Women, directed by Hugh Munro Neely and narrated by Jane Fonda, which originally was broadcast by Turner Classic Movies in May 2003. LaSalle provided commentary for and served as Associate Producer of the project.[4]

LaSalle's follow-up to Complicated Women was Dangerous Men: Pre-Code Hollywood and the Birth of the Modern Man, published by Thomas Dunne in 2002.

LaSalle has lectured on film subjects at various film festivals, including those in the Hamptons, Denver, Las Vegas, and Mill Valley and at New York City's Film Forum and San Francisco's Castro Theatre. For several years he taught a film course at the University of California, Berkeley, and now[when?] teaches film courses at Stanford University.

In the late 1990s, LaSalle was the on-air film critic for KGO-TV. He is a member of the San Francisco Film Critics Circle,[5] and was a panelist at the 2006, 2007 and 2008 Venice Film Festivals. He was also a panelist at the 2009 Berlin film festival. In addition to his reviews, he answers film-related questions in the Chronicle column Ask Mick LaSalle.

Reviews

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fascinating read despite it not being as good as Complicated Women. Let's face it; the women of the Pre-Code era were a hell of a lot more interesting overall simply because what was being done for women was progressive and refreshing in that time. They suffered much more of asetback once the Code was enforced because patriarchal ideas were being established again instead of opposed. The men are still fascinating though and the book does a great job of going into all the different ways men were being portrayed and how they represented the views of society at that point. The shift of preferential male characters from the silent period to the early talkies is delved into quite quickly. Old-fashioned romantics were no longer wanted. Tradition was being rebelled against and was replaced with men who took what they wanted; who had a quick-talking, shifty, forceful and criminal side to them. The author does a great job, even better than he did with Complicated Women in this regard, of discussing the actor's work as well as their private life in ways that were relevant to the types of characters they would play.

Hearing about James Cagney was incredible because every time I read any quote from him I just fall in love more. There are so many other actors that I am a fan of that LaSalle goes into. What was even more interesting was when he discussed the actors that are not talked about as often. These included Warren William, Lee Tracy and particularly Richard Barthelmess and his constant desire to appear in film what politicized issues he cared about. Corrupt businessmen were hated and the underdog was preferred. Overall this was a great companion piece to Complicated Women, both of which pay the level of respect that Pre-Code film deserves and so rarely gets.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone knows that Clark Gable was one of the top Hollywood stars but how
did it happen and why - this book attempts to explain the rise of the ant-hero
during the period known as "Pre-Code". I love the quote about Gable "remembered
today as an actor with an amiable disposition but in 1931 he didn't have his moustache
and he didn't do much smiling".
Very interesting to read about players that are often overlooked - a terrific tribute
devoted to Richard Barthelmess whose early talkies were almost all trailblazers
dealing with racism, the after effects of war, questionable journalists etc. Lee Tracy,
given a chance at stardom with a role meant for James Cagney in "Blessed Event" and
went on to make it his own. And the very under-rated Warren William - who knew that
behind the dangerously debonair persona was a devoted husband and a would be inventor
who devised a prototype of the Winnebago. Fabulous book.

[Jeri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even better than Complicated Women, I have to say. Maybe because the material isn't so well known? Pre-Code films (and its history) are usually about the women, so it was interesting to read about its impact on men and their roles. Plus, LaSalle was a lot funnier in this than in his previous book. I laughed out loud more than once at some of his snarky comments--he really doesn't like Al Jolson, for example: "[A] boy get hit by a truck, causing Jolson to serenade him in the hospital with "Little Pal." Miraculously, the singing doesn't kill the child."

Aside from the Pre-Code usuals--Gable, Cagney, Fairbanks, Powell and Montgomery, LaSalle "introduces" others I now really want to dig up, Warren William and Richard Barthelmess.

[Russell Sanders · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dangerous Men: Pre-code Hollywood and the Birth of the Modern Man is film critic/historian Mick LaSalle’s companion to his earlier book Complicated Women, also about the pre-code era in Hollywood. The pre-code era, for talking pictures, dates a mere five years, between 1929 and mid-1934. Those films made during that time were bold and daring. Then a code was established, mostly dictated by the Catholic church, that censored films for the next thirty or so years. Even the pre-code films that were re-released were subject to the censor’s knife, and often the negatives themselves were butchered, and thus many pre-code films are no longer available in their original forms. LaSalle’s purpose, as I perceive it, is to call attention to the enormous contribution these films made to film history and to show how they point toward the films of today that are no longer subject to the strict censorship of the code. He points out many fine films were made in those years of the code, but he also makes the argument that the restrictions were an industry strait-jacket for filmmakers. LaSalle’s earlier book, Complicated Women, focused on the freedom that women actors had to tell stories that were filled with feminism, bold women, and sometimes bawdy humor. He continues that idea with the men of Hollywood of that era. The performances and films of actors who are familiar to those of us of a certain age like James Cagney, Clark Gable, John Barrymore, Gary Cooper, John Gilbert, and others are presented and deconstructed. But LaSalle also tells of actors that I knew little about (and also one I hadn’t heard of) like Richard Barthelmess, George Arliss, and Warren William. Dangerous Men is a treasure trove for film aficionados, filling us in on a short period of filmmaking that is not spoken of much, and that, in fact, included films that are hard to find these days. And I have to point out one passage where I laughed out loud. LaSalle’s description and commentary on Al Jolson’s performance in 1930’s Mammy is priceless!

[Jill H. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a great fan of early film, especially the pre-Code era and this book added to my knowledge of the careers of those actors who were at the top of the heap during those days. The author offers a plethora of insider information regarding players. many of whom are practically forgotten today and provides the reason why some, such as Clark Gable, went on to a long and historic career, and why others, like Ramon Navarro, lost their popularity with the movie audience. The tone of pre-Code film suited the personalities of actors like Lee Tracy and Warren William......fast talking, slightly dishonorable and amoral. The day of the swooning romantic leading man was over and those actors that could not change their image to meet the changing times faded away. This is a fascinating book that is highly recommended for the film buff.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is beautifully written with loads of information, insightful commentary, and wonderful touches of humor. I enjoyed this one even more than its companion book, Complicated Women: Sex and Power in Pre-Code Hollywood. As I stated in my review for that book, I don't agree entirely with all of LaSalle's conclusions regarding the detrimental effect of the Production Code. However, I enjoyed this book immensely. It offers a window into another time and really captures the spirit of Pre-Code Hollywood.

I especially enjoyed the little mini biographies of the many stars the author mentions. LaSalle offers insight into the ways in which their personal lives affected their films and the messages they tried to convey. It's almost as if he knew them personally. If you aren't familiar with the actors, there is just enough information to whet your appetite, leaving you hungry to find out more about their lives and movies. As for the actors you know and love, the book manages to beautifully sum up what you like most while offering you additional insight. I especially enjoyed the sections on James Cagney and John Barrymore, two of my all-time personal favorites.

LaSalle's extensive knowledge and sharp wit keep the pages turning, and the book reads quickly. That easy readability does nothing to make the book any less insightful. While fun facts and interesting tidbits abound in plenty, the book goes beyond movie trivia and examines the cultural climate of the time in which the films were made. He makes an interesting point when he writes: "Movies reflect culture but also affect it, and we can never know for sure which is influencing the other more." LaSalle does an excellent job of framing the films he discusses within the historical context of the era. Great reading for film buffs or fans of any of the "dangerous men" of old Hollywood.

[Mei · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting insight into pre-code leading men. It was overall a quick read. The book is only about 200 pages long. I picked this up to read up on Fredric March, one of my new found favorite leading men.

Being a classic movie buff, it was fascinating to learn about the typecasting of the pre-code Clark Gable. The book also offers a different viewpoint of John Gilbert's film demise. (It wasn't his voice)

[Patrick Elsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Way better then Dangerous Women despite being a lesser topic if only because the book is better order and reads better. It's not this person career and then someone else career. It's all tied together in this book and works a lot better.

If you're interested in old movies this is a great book.

[DeAnna]

I think this book would have been more interesting if I had seen a lot more of the movies the author was discussing. As it was, I added a few movies to my Netflix queue, but didn't feel like finishing the book.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating account of pre-code Hollywood, looking at the male stars and how different they were from those who followed them, getting so much more scope to show their emotions and go against stereotypes.

[Greta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn’t put it down! Fascinating account of many actors, good observations, very astute, lots of descriptions of films. Includes Barthelmess, Barrymore, Warren William, John Gilbert, Ramon Novarro, as well as the usual suspects.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

James Cagney, Clark Gable, and Warren William...need I say more?

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

As good as LaSalle's "Complicated Women." A fun, entertaining, informative read. Great stills too. I hope TCM makes a documentary of it as they did of the earlier book.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great book by LaSalle on 1920s/1930s Hollywood. I couldn't get into this one as much as with "Complicated Women," but it was still a great work.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Much better than Complicated Woman. Book is more organized and focused and provided more than just the common knowledge information that Complicated Women had.

[A · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again LaSalle blows me away with his transcendent writings. Brings me right to such a fabulous era. As always if you are interested in such an era and the musings around it.It's a must to read.

[Brian DiNitto · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved hearing how these films connected with the culture of the time.

[Ian B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

An absorbing investigation into the presentation of men and masculinity in the Hollywood Pre-Code era, tracking the switch from the smiling optimists and Latin lovers of the twenties to the ambiguity and complexity - criminal and political, sexual and social - of the male heroes of 1929-34. The book offers rewarding analyses of some of my favourites (Lon Chaney, Lee Tracey, William Powell, Gary Cooper), non-favourites (Clark Gable) and potential new favourites (Warren William). LaSalle writes seriously and perceptively, and also with wit but not facetiousness (a crucial distinction). For example, I laughed out loud at his description of Charles Laughton’s scenery-chewing in The Devil and the Deep from 1932, in which the star plays:

a British Navy commander who is suspicious of his wife’s fidelity. He’s more than a typical jealous fellow. He seems to have something wrong with his brain. “I can’t forget what the brain specialist told you,” his wife (Tallulah Bankhead) says tactfully, “that no doctor on earth can help if you won’t help yourself.” Contemplate, for a moment, the license that mere mention of a “brain specialist” might do for an actor of Laughton’s flamboyance. It was a blank check.

Even LaSalle’s asides are illuminating: in a book about men, he notes in passing of relatively minor leading lady Helen Chandler that she is ‘fragile and wonderfully strange,’ ‘lovely and bizarre.’ After discussing Bela Lugosi in Dracula, he observes that the film ‘benefits also from the casting of Helen Chandler as Mina. Chandler, with her cat’s eyes and scattered air, seems both dainty and corrupt, fragile and yet potentially demonic.’ That last observation is just brilliant, and makes me want to seek out more of her performances rather than simply stumbling upon them accidentally.

I also liked his conclusion that the enforcement of censorship from 1934 onwards in fact harmed not only the potential of American cinema, but that of wider society, that in the end little is gained by a childish turning away from the realities of human beings and human interaction. When I first began watching films from Hollywood’s Golden Age in my early teens, I certainly remember being confused by the sexual morality on display. Was this how people behaved then, I wondered, or just how they pretended to in the movies? Did real people fall into line with what they saw at the movies, or was there a whole other life where they did what they wanted and only pretended themselves? I had no-one to ask.

[Magnus Stanke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely amazing companion piece/sequel to the author's 'Complicated Women', this is just as compelling, well-written and even often moving (I, for one, have never read a book about the history of cinema that's actually moving!!!).
On the surface, at least as far as I'm concerned, some of the films that are discussed here are already more familiar than the ones in 'Complicated Women'. Unlike the 'women's pictures', the titles with guys in the driving seats (Scarface, The Public Enemy, I'm a Fugitive from a Chain Gang, Frankenstein, Dracula, etc) have always retained their status as bona fide classics, had undergone only modest cuts in order to be considered fit for re-runs. A lot of the other pre-codes disappeared for decades into the vaults of the studios that had produced them as they were deemed un-re-releasable by the all-too-mighty Breen office who almost succeeded in burying these films for good.
Almost, because from the mid-90s onwards with the event of TCM, they were rediscovered, reappraised and haven't gone out of style since then, thankfully. We did get our happy end, albeit many decades later.

Mark LaSalle is a great, wise writer for many reasons. His style appears effortless, even when he wades through sheathes and sheathes of information, sheds new light on those well-known films, forces us to reconsider them and the people who made them. He also unearthes a wealth of knowledge about less celebrated movies and their stars. We learn not only about Clark Gable, James Cagney, Edward G. Robinson, but also about Warren William, Robert Montgomery, and - somebody I really didn't know much about - Richard Barthelmess.

I never, ever say this, usually, but this time I will: The book's only flaw is that it ends too soon... and the fact that, in comparison, all other writing about the era will now look, well, inferior in comparison. WOW

[Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the movies of the 1930s, and clearly Mick LaSalle does too. This book, a follow-up to his earlier Complicated Women doesn't have as clear a thesis as the previous book, but it's enormously entertaining to read. Even if I don't always agree with his opinion (his take on Jolson is unnecessarily harsh, but not at all inaccurate) it's clear he put a great deal of thought and did a lot of research. I love how he finds threads through the careers of different actors. Sure, everyone knows what a typical role is for someone like Gary Cooper or James Stewart, but LaSalle also finds commonality in the roles of Fredric March, something I never would have picked up on although I've seen and enjoyed March's work in many films.

We also get great insight into the lives and careers of the usual suspects, like Gable and Cagney, plus Edward G. Robinson, Lon Chaney, Paul Muni, and many more. But I also appreciate the connections he draws along certain themes, such as how businessmen are portrayed, or reporters, for example. If they haven't already, Dangerous Men and Complicated Women should be made into documentaries, with LaSalle narrating over clips from the movies he mentions.

I looked to see if Mick LaSalle has written any other books, and it looks like there's just one more, about contemporary French movie actresses. I'm afraid that one isn't likely to interest me as much as I'd be much less familiar with his references. All I can say is, Mick LaSalle needs to write more books about classic American movies! I love how he loves this era of film.

[Loren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another enjoyable run-down of the pre-Code era from Mick LaSalle, this time focused on the "dangerous men" of the movies. This book is more comprehensive than Complicated Women, with more or less equal time devoted to each specific actor within a fairly wide range of types. Once again, LaSalle is good at establishing a well-paced narrative timeline and walking us through the historical, cultural, and aesthetic changes from 1929-1934.

I think I still liked Complicated Women better, but Dangerous Men gets points for covering several of my favorite film fellows: John Gilbert in Downstairs (1932), John Barrymore in Grand Hotel (1932) and Dinner at Eight (1933), and Paul Muni in Scarface (1932) were all particularly gratifying to read about.

[Emily Edmond · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5--an easy read but not enough depth.

[Nancy Loe · Rating 5 out of 5]

That rare follow-up book that's every bit as good as the original ( Complicated Women).

[Doris Raines · Rating 4 out of 5]

A. Very. Distinguish. Guy. With. Talent. And. The. True. Gift. Of. Hollywood. Looks.