Nutshell Reviews: Command Decision (1948) and Any Number Can Play (1949)
In a Nutshell: Command Decision (1948)
Directed by: Sam Wood
Co-stars: Walter Pidgeon, Van Johnson, Brian Donlevy
Synopsis: Gable is K.C. Dennis, a and American General in England during World War II. His duty is to plan bombing missions over Germany, at the loss of hundreds of men. Despite objections from fellow soldiers and Congressmen, he continues his mission because he believes it is key to the U.S. victory over Germany.
Best Gable Quote: “Someday you’re going to wisecrack yourself right into the infantry, sergeant.”
Fun Fact: The only Gable film in which there is no love story. There are no females in the cast. MGM received thousands of letters from angry female Gable fans complaining that there was no romance in the picture.
My Verdict: Ok, I don’t like this movie. I’ve seen it a few times and I am always trying to give it another chance, but the fact of the matter is…this film is just plain boring. You can wander in and out of the room while watching it and not miss anything. It truly is one of those films that I am sure was an interesting play, but it just doesn’t translate onscreen. It’s all talk, talk, talk and no action.Talk about the deaths of servicemen we never get to meet, talk about bombings, talk about women they are going to marry or babies they are going to have. Problem is, we never see any of this. I would feel a bit better about the film if we got acquainted with soldiers before they burst into flame on a runway, or actually saw Clark talking to his wife on the phone, or even maybe him changing into a polo shirt and having a drink outside the barracks. I find the film completely lacking in human touch.Clark does a fine job with what he has to work with, but he doesn’t have much.
It was Movie of the Month in August 2012.
In a Nutshell: Any Number Can Play (1949)
Directed by: Mervyn Leroy
Co-stars: Alexis Smith, Audrey Totter, Wendell Corey, Mary Astor, Frank Morgan
Synopsis: Gable is Charley King, the owner of a gambling house in New York. After learning he has a heart problem, he begins to re-evaluate his life: his relationship with his wife (Smith) and teenage son, his business and his associates.
Best Gable Quote: “Honest kid, I don’t think you’re old enough to judge your father.”
Fun Fact: During production Gable started dating co-star Audrey Totter, who played his sister-in-law in the film. (Totter just died in December of last year.)
My Verdict: It’s not a masterpiece by any means, but it’s fine for what it is. The role is age-appropriate for Clark and I always like seeing him play dad. It’s kind of refreshing to see nearly-50 year old Clark playing a married man with a teenaged son. The script is kind of blah but I’ve seen worse. Alexis is neither great nor bad. Altogether just an “okay” film.
It was Movie of the Month in December 2013.
5 Comments
Coco B
I commend you for giving it several tries. It is boring. I haven’t seen it in ages and keep missing it on TCM. I’ll have to dedicate some effort to seeing it again. I’ll see what comes of it. I do think it was a difficult role for any person at the time, considering how close it was after the war.
Coco B
I actually like Any Number Can Play. It is by no means a standout of any sort. It is one of his films that I just recently saw on DVD and is good background film while doing a chore ot two. (Sorry, Clark)
Barry Lane
Any Number Can Play is a great film, so on this we completely disagree. Gable plays a protagonist with severe angina a factor which colors most of the action. Any Number is based on a memoir. It took place in a fictional city called Milwaukee and the son is gay. He was also the author of that memoir. Coupling this perspective with that grand cast, this cannot miss. As for Command Decision, all that you write seems correct but I love the film. It is a bout truth and war. Pretty important. Have another look.
Coco B
I like the movie alot and it addresses issues still current today. But as a standout film it is missing that certain something.
Coco B
I like the movie alot. It amazed how current the issues are in the movie. If you ever need proof that classic is timeless Gable’s character is it. Nevertheless, it is missing that certain something. If I had to narrow it down to exactly what I think it leaves you nothing to dream about. Gable challenges his audience both men and women to be more. That’s missi.g here. There’ no real hope in the plot. Everything is soled and set beforehand. No real challenge. But that’s just me. And it is still a 99% chance it would.be my first choice to watch.