The Adventures Of Marco Polo Gary Cooper 9th Biggest Hollywood Flick of 1938
Notes by Bill Russo Samuel Goldwyn s lavish production of Marco Polo was indeed the 9th top film of 1938 judging by Box Office receipts of more than 1. 7 million dollars. But the movie was also the biggest flop of the year It was so expensive to make, that after all the beans were counted, there was a net loss of more than There was blame to be laid everywhere. Some critics said the lead role should not have gone to Cooper, but to Rudolph Valentino A New York Times critic said the actor s accents were wrong Be that as it may, if you are a fan of celebrities from the old days, you ll have a ball star gazing. There s old reliable Basil Rathbone along with Jason Robards, Alan Hale, and Lana Turner, as a maid. Not all the reviews were bad. Variety loved the film, saying that it is a spectacular melodrama and an excellent vehicle for Cooper. Film Daily called the film a thrilling, romantic offering quot
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