Blast from the Past: Revisiting Kay Francis
It was a scene-for-scene remake of the 1935 German film Mazurka starring Pola Negri, which Warner acquired the rights for and then shelved.
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In a European city circa 1930 music student Lisa Koslov, age 17, (Bryan) sees her mother off at the train station. Upon leaving, she is handed an envelope containing two tickets to piano concert from a well-dressed man she thinks may be stalking her.
The man turns out to be the pianist himself, Michael Michailow (Rathbone). On Lisa’s behalf, Hildegard accepts Michailow’s dinner invitation. He suavely pleads his loneliness and begs to see her the next day.
When she goes to her lessons instead, she discovers that he has lied to the professor to insinuate himself as her tutor. Michailow kisses Lisa, who despite awareness that the situation is unsavory, responds to the kiss.
The third day, when her mother returns, Michailow calls Lisa and persuades her to sneak out. He takes her to a cabaret and continues his seduction.
During a suggestive number sung by Vera Kowalska (Francis), the couple are illuminated in a spotlight as Michailow again kisses Lisa. Vera and Michailow recognize one another and she faints. He tries to leave hastily with Lisa, but Vera shoots him dead.
At her trial Vera confesses to the murder but refuses to disclose her motive. Her newly discovered suitcase is brought as evidence before the presiding judge (Crisp). When he orders it opened to attempt to determine if it contains evidence, Vera abruptly decides to give a full statement to the court if the suitcase is not opened.
When she at last located them, she learned that Leonide has been dead for three years and that he had remarried. Her daughter has no idea that the second wife is not her real mother. Vera’s suitcase contains papers as proof, and she testified to prevent them from being read to save Lisa’s reputation and her relationship with the woman she believes is her mother. When open session resumes, all the parties avoid details. Vera is found guilty, but the court grants her pardon.
After the trial, Lisa approaches Vera to wish her well. Vera has fantasy of warmly embracing her daughter, but instead calmly thanks her and happily watches her drive away.
Cast
Kay Francis as Vera
Ian Hunter as Leonide
Basil Rathbone as Michael Michailow
Jane Bryan as Lisa
Donald Crisp as the Presiding Judge
Mary Maguire as Hildegard
Dorothy Peterson as Mrs. Koslov
Credits:
Directed by Joe May
Written by Julius J. Epstein and Margaret P. Levino (English adaptation), based on Mazurka 1935 film by Hans Rameau
Produced by Hal B. Wallis, Jack L. Warner
Cinematography Sidney Hickox
Edited by James Gibbon
Music by Leo F. Forbstein
Production and Distribution: Warner
Release date: Aug 19, 1937
Running time: 87 minutes
Budget $500,000 (est.)
