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Critics at the time were sharply divided over this effort with the majority feeling that Joan Crawford had a far too modern screen persona to be tackling an historical drama. Joan does give the piece her dramatic all however I also feel that perhaps she was better suited to contemporary dramas such as in "Mannequin" and "The Shining Hour". Indeed the title is a trifle misleading as really Peggy comes across as quite a noble, self sacrificing type who never really does anything that could be ever referred to as scandalous. "The Gorgeous Hussy" tells the story of a simple inn keeper's daughter Peggy O'Neal (Crawford) who is one of the life long influences in the rise to power of President Andrew Jackson and who from her devotion to his cause unwittingly becomes the centre of scandal and envy in the nation's capital. The film boasts a excellent cast and was an all out effort by MGM to come up with a historical Blockbuster. Lionel Barrymore has one of his best roles as President Andrew Jackson and his bluff, no nonsense acting style goes well with the gruff backwoodsman turned presidential candidate. Beulah Bondi however absolutely steals the show as his simple wife Rachel Jackson who lives to support her beloved husband and becomes the butt of all the society ladies' jokes because of her simple way of life and her pipe smoking. Bondi, always a sensitive accomplished player quite rightly earned an Academy Award nomination for this role of the President's wife. Melvyn Douglas, a frequent Crawford costar plays John Randolph, the representative from Virginia who Peggy loves all her life but who she finds herself in opposition with over politics. More than any of the other leading men in this film Robert Taylor really shines in the brief role of Lt. Timberlake, a sailor who falls for Peggy and eventually marries her even though he knows her heart belongs to another. His early death at sea opens up the way for Peggy to support Jackson in his campaign for President. Taylor, long thought of as just a handsome leading man here brings a much needed lighthearted quality to his playing which is very enjoyable and his highjicks in wooing Peggy are very amusing. Franchot Tone, Crawford's husband in real life plays Peggy's second husband, ambassador John Eaton who Peggy really only marries as a favour to Andrew Jackson. Rounding out the other supporting performances are James Stewart in an early MGM appearance as Roderick Dow an early friend of Peggy's and Gene Lockhart in a fine performance as Peggy's inn keeper father.
While "The Gorgeous Hussy" shows expertise in every department from Adrian's stunning recreations of 1830's fashions, to the Cedric Gibbons set pieces of early Washington and the historical research into the era, there is a certain something missing that stops "The Gorgeous Hussy" from ever being a truly great historical drama. The material here is handled professionally but the basic story lacks any real excitement and action. The individual performances by Barrymore, Bondi and Taylor certainly give the film it's memorable moments but I feel that Joan Crawford is not entirely comfortable playing this type of a character which normally at this time at MGM would have been assigned to the likes of Norma Shearer. While she delivers her usual capable performance some of the fire is missing from the character to indicate that she could have become such a great influence on the President of the United States. Beautiful she certainly is throughout the running time of the film but she brings her usual ladylike demeanor to the part which perhaps should have been modified some what.
Nevertheless "The Gorgeous Hussy" is an enjoyable viewing experience. The storyline may not be totally riverting but it is an ambitious effort which shows all the wonderful expertise that MGM was able to muster for both in front of and behind the cameras. As an example of mid 1930's filmaking it is a magnificent effort and in that light it needs a kinder appraisal than that which it received upon its first release. It's interesting from the point of view of seeing Joan Crawford in her MGM heyday tackling a very different type of role and for that alone I recommend all Joan Crawford lovers and those that like beautiful looking productions to give this movie a viewing.
Joan plays the role of Peggy O'Neill Eaton, the outspoken daughter of a Washington innkeeper. She has decided political views and is quite free in expressing them. It is those very views that are destined to keep her apart from the great love of her life, Senator John Randolph of Virginia (Melvyn Douglas), the political foe of her uncle Andrew Jackson (Lionel Barrymore).
After first marrying an officer (Robert Taylor) and ending up widowed shortly thereafter, she ultimately ends up marrying Senator Eaton (Franchot Tone), a man of whom Andrew Jackson approves. In the interim, she acts as a sort of unofficial first lady for Andrew Jackson, a role which brings her notoriety among Washingtonians who censure her and make her the object of malignant gossip, just as they did with President Jackson's wife, Rachel (Beulah Bondi), who died just before Jackson took office.
Joan Crawford looks fresh faced and beautiful throughout and does what she can with the thankless role. Melvyn Douglas does likewise with his. Lionel Barrymore is terrific as Andrew Jackson, as is Beulah Bondi in the role of Rachel Jackson. Franchot Tone shines, as he always does when he is cast opposite Joan Crawford. It is clear that he is smitten by her. No wonder he and Ms. Crawford ended up getting married in real life. There is even a small part played by a very young James Stewart. Even with a stellar cast, however, the movie does not quite cut it. The problem lies with the screenplay and not with the acting. The film is mildly entertaining, at best.
The story sounds somewhat dull on paper, but the efforts of the talented cast make for a very exciting and enjoyable film. In fact, one wishes that each one could be showcased better; the use of so many great faces in just one film seems to waste thier abilities. Crawford and Barrymore benefit the most. Crawford is beautiful as always and Barrymore could act his way through any part while still retaining his unique qualities. It is interesting to see the two together again after their very different pairing in the successful Grand Hotel only a few years earlier. Taylor, Tone, and especially Stewart leave the viewer wanting more, which can make their scenes somewhat disappointing.
The names of the characters might sound familiar, and many of them should, but as the disclaimer in the beginning of the film says, the story is only loosely based on people that really existed. One should take none of the story as fact.
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