By THR Staff
July 23, 2024 12:00am

On July 23, 1937, MGM unveiled in theaters Saratoga, a star vehicle for Jean Harlow, who had died suddenly weeks earlier. Additional shooting was needed to complete the film, which featured the actress alongside Clark Gable. The Hollywood Reporter’s original review, headlined “‘Saratoga’ Warmly Greeted … Jean Harlow’s Last Earns High Praise,” is below:

Jean Harlow’s last picture, Saratoga, cannot be reviewed unemotionally. It can only be reported.

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Audience reception at a preview last evening in Glendale was unmistakably enthusiastic. Possibly surprised, but never shocked by the fact that the story is a riotous comedy, each time Miss Harlow’s name appeared on the screen and upon the occasion of her first entrance the house rocked with applause. It was more than cursory hand-clapping. The final hand was in honest appreciation of an honestly entertaining offering, splendidly performed, written and directed.

The production by Bernard H. Hyman, with John Emerson as associate producer, deserves more than passing note. There are no loose ends either in characterization or in situation. In fact, the much-publicized added scenes will be practically undetected by the general public unless more specific attention is called to the impersonation. All of which adds up to a brilliant producing credit for Hyman.

Link: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/saratoga-review-movie-jean-harlow-clark-gable-1937-1235955892/