Reckless (1935)
Jean Harlow shines in this lavish MGM musical melodrama about a Broadway star whose marriage to a troubled millionaire ignites scandal and heartbreak.
Reckless - Movie Information
- Original Title: Reckless
- Release Year: 1935
- Directed by: Victor Fleming
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Music, Drama, Comedy
- Age Rating (US): NR
- Runtime: 1h 37m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): April 19, 1935 (United States - NR)
- Alternative Titles: Born Reckless (US)
- Production Companies: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
- Production Countries: United States of America
Reckless - Plot
A theatrical star, born on the wrong side of the tracks, marries a drunken blue-blood millionaire.
Reckless - Trailer
Watch the official trailer for this classic MGM musical melodrama:
METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER'S MAMMOTH MUSICAL MELODRAMA
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Reckless - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Victor Fleming
Main Cast
- Jean Harlow
- William Powell
- Franchot Tone
- May Robson
- Ted Healy
- Nat Pendleton
- Rosalind Russell
- Mickey Rooney
- Henry Stephenson
- Frank Leavitt
Writers
- P.J. Wolfson
- David O. Selznick
Producers
- David O. Selznick
Reckless - FAQs
What is Reckless (1935) about?
Reckless follows Mona Leslie, a Broadway performer from humble beginnings who finds herself entangled in a troubled marriage with a wealthy, hard-drinking socialite. Caught between class prejudice and genuine love, the film blends musical numbers with melodrama, showcasing Jean Harlow at the height of her MGM stardom.
Did Jean Harlow actually sing in Reckless?
Jean Harlow's singing voice was dubbed by Virginia Verrill for the film's musical numbers. Harlow herself wasn't known as a vocalist, but her charisma and screen presence carried the performances convincingly. The dubbing was common practice in Hollywood musicals of the era and went largely unnoticed by audiences at the time.
Where can you watch Reckless (1935)?
You can rent or buy Reckless on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. It's widely available for digital purchase or rental, making it easy to catch this classic MGM musical melodrama from the comfort of home.
Was Reckless inspired by a real scandal?
The film's plot closely mirrors the real-life tragedy surrounding torch singer Libby Holman, whose socialite husband Reynolds Smith died under mysterious circumstances in 1932. The story of a performer from modest origins marrying into wealth, only to face scandal and suicide, drew obvious parallels that audiences of the day recognized immediately.
Who are the main cast members in Reckless?
The film boasts a stellar MGM lineup: Jean Harlow leads as Mona Leslie, with William Powell as her devoted manager Ned Riley and Franchot Tone as the troubled millionaire she marries. The supporting cast includes May Robson, Rosalind Russell, Ted Healy, Nat Pendleton, and a young Mickey Rooney.
Who directed Reckless and what else did he make?
Victor Fleming directed Reckless, and he's one of Hollywood's most celebrated figures. He's best known for helming two iconic 1939 classics: Gone with the Wind and The Wizard of Oz. Fleming had a knack for big, glossy studio productions, and Reckless fits squarely into his MGM golden-era work.
Is Reckless (1935) worth watching today?
For fans of classic Hollywood, absolutely. Reckless is a fascinating time capsule — a lavish MGM production packed with musical numbers, a scandalous plot ripped from real headlines, and Jean Harlow at her most magnetic. It's not a perfect film, but its star power and historical resonance make it genuinely compelling viewing.
What films are similar to Reckless (1935)?
If you enjoy Reckless, try Dancing Lady (1933) with Joan Crawford, another MGM musical melodrama from the same era, or Presenting Lily Mars (1943) for a similar backstage showbiz feel. Du Barry Was a Lady (1943) and Step Lively (1944) also capture that classic Hollywood blend of comedy, music, and romantic drama.
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