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Crawford And Gable At Their Electrifying Best
The 1931 drama "Possessed", which was the third onscreen meeting of MGM greats Joan Crawford and Clark Gable, was the film that really put them on the map as an acting team to be reckoned with. It paved the way for many more highly successful teamings of these two legendary performers during the 1930's at MGM. After appearing only briefly in one of Joan Crawford's earlier 1931 starring vehicles "Dance Fools Dance", Gable made such an impression on both the audience and the powers at MGM with his onscreen chemistry with Crawford that they were repeatedly teamed to great effect in many dramas and even screwball comedies. "Possessed", was definately one of their better teamings and stands up beautifully even today with it's potent dialogue and believable characters.

The story of "Possessed", is in many ways classic Joan Crawford material detailing as it does the rise of a disgruntled factory worker in a small American town to the heights of Park Avenue society and power, with all the wealth, intrigue, men and romance that goes with it. Joan plays Marian Martin a girl seemingly doomed to a dull life as an employee in a small town paper factory. Marion however possesses an inner drive the tells her she is cut out for more in life than the thankless existence she currently endures. Inspired by the sight of the wealthy life enjoyed by others on a train passing through town Marian decides to take the plunge and leave the awful existence she leads including the man who hopes to marry her Al Manning (Wallace Ford) and travel to New York in search of a better life. Once there Marian makes the acquaintance of rising young lawyer Mark Whitney who is being touted as the next governer of New York. Mark is instantly attracted to Marian's absolute honesty and yearning for a better existence and very quickly the two become involved in an affair. Due to her humble background the affair is kept quiet and Marian is passed off as wealthy divorcee "Mrs. Moreland". Marian learns the ways of the rich and powerful however things begin to get more complicated after a couple of years have passed when Mark is in line for the govenorship and Al suddenly turns up in New York now successful and determined to marry the still supposedly uninvolved Marian. Seeing the impossible situation she now finds herself in Marian realises that her background and "keep woman status", can only be a liability to Mark's hope of the governor's role after over hearing some of his supporters urging him to get rid of her before the election takes place. She deliberately breaks up with him by pretending to be going off with Al who is "one of her people and of the class she really belongs to", and walks out of his life after a heated argument. Later at one of the election rallies however when Mark's opponents have planted leaflets attacking their earlier relationship Marian rises to Mark's defence and exposes the gossip as the hateful muckraking it undoubtedly is upon which Mark comes after her promising to be with her regardless of what happens in the future.

Being pre code this drama has a pleasingly realistic edge to its dialogue and storyline. In many ways it has an almost curiously modern approach to the material at hand which has allowed this film to age well over time. Joan Crawford and Clark Gable have an incredible screen chemistry in their work together in "Possessed", which helped to make them one of the most successful screen teams of the 1930's decade. Destined to make eight films together "Possessed", shows them as a relatively new teame but the electricity on screen and indeed off as well is very evident. Joan Crawford delivers an extremely balanced performance as Marian. She is just as convincing in the earlier factory scenes as she is in the later Park Avenue ones and her transformation from gauche working girl to society hostess is totally believable. Before he got caught in his "Gable playing Gable" performances Clark Gable is refreshingly restrained playing the politically hopeful Mark Whitney in "Possessed". He displays a real development in his acting from earlier acting efforts even that same year and "Possessed", put him on the road to superstardom before another year was out. Directed with a sure hand by talented Clarence Brown the material and performances are mature and underplayed throughout making this a viewing experience to cherish. Joan Crawford also noticeably underwent a transformation in this role appearing far more beautiful and sophisticated than in her previous work and complimented greatly by the artistry of the legendary Adrian who designed her stunning wardrobe in "Possessed", to great effect. All the great MGM expertise in every department are evident in this production with Cedric Gibbon's stunning New York interiors in particular a real stand out.

"Possessed", is one of the better Crawford/Gable teamings and all lovers of these performers work should not miss this film. While it contains certain elements that are a part of each performers established screen persona the formula here is not so confining yet to stifle the individuality that each brings to their characters. Crawford and Gable on screen is what Hollywood chemistry is all about and it's always a pleasure to see this great romantic team perform together. Enjoy Crawford and Gable electrify the screen in MGM's "Possessed".

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The Possessed: The Early Crawford
Most movie audiences know of Joan Crawford primarily through her best known films: MILDRED PIERCE, THE WOMEN, AND HARRIET CRAIG.
These three movies show her at a later, edgier stage of her career. Much earlier, there was the Crawford who could sing, dance, smile sweetly, and generally stun you with her expressive eyes and laughter. In THE POSSESSED, she plays Marian, a sort of role that looks forward to the future tougher women who could kick back her tormentors with relish. Marian is what was then gently known as a 'gold digger' whose rough edges hid the basic sweetness that few were permitted to suspect existed. In walks Mark Whitman (Clark Gable), a young and powerful lawyer whose star is clearly on the ascendant. Gable's role of a tough and smart leading man set the stage for many such roles that would culminate in 1939 with Rhett Butler in GONE WITH THE WIND. Whitman and Marian like each other, but because she had an inapprorpiate backgroud, they had to keep their connection quiet. When Whitman is offered the chance to be governor, she realizes that her presence could be a liability so she bows out. There is a terrific scene near the end in which he is going to give a speech at a town meeting hall. His rival for the election has ordered his goons to heckle Whitman. Gable's manly response to the hecklers and Crawford's defense of her relationship to him is a gem that perfectly captures the chemistry that reflected their off-screen affair. POSSESSED is one of those early dramas of Gable and Crawford that no fan of both can afford to miss.

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The real thing.
I love Joan Crawford movies - and this is one of her best. It has all the old-time glamour that people who love pictures from the 30's crave! Crawford's poor girl who wants something "better" goes through an intriguing series of transformations in the film, and, in the end, of course, does the "right" thing. Highly recommended.