Watch Chained

Chained is a romance drama film released in 1934, directed by Clarence Brown and starring the two Hollywood legends, Joan Crawford and Clark Gable. Set against the glamorous backdrop of Monte Carlo, the movie follows the story of Diane Lovering (Joan Crawford), a fiercely independent and wealthy woman who finds herself trapped in a complicated love triangle with two very different men.

Diane is first seen traveling by train to Monte Carlo, where she hopes to forget her recent breakup with her longtime fiancé. On the train, she meets a handsome stranger named Mike Bradley (Clark Gable), a professional gambler with a cocky attitude and a charming smile. Despite their initial animosity, Diane soon develops a forbidden attraction to Mike, and the two embark on a steamy romance that threatens to consume them both.

But just as Diane begins to let her guard down and fall in love with Mike, she receives an unexpected visit from her ex-fiancé, wealthy businessman Richard Fleming (Otto Kruger). Richard still has feelings for Diane and hopes to win her back, but Diane is torn between her new love and her loyalty to the man who once held her heart.

As the love triangle heats up, tensions escalate between the three characters, with Mike and Richard each vying for Diane's affection in their own unique ways. Meanwhile, Diane struggles to reconcile her independent spirit with her desire for love and companionship in a society where women are expected to be passive and obedient.

One of the most striking aspects of Chained is the chemistry between Crawford and Gable, who would go on to become one of Hollywood's most iconic on-screen pairs. Crawford brings a fierce intensity to her role as Diane, a woman who refuses to be tamed by any man, while Gable radiates charm and charisma as Mike, the rogue gambler who slowly begins to fall for her. Together, they create a palpable sense of romantic tension that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats.

Kruger's performance as Richard provides a nice counterbalance to Gable's roguish charm, with the actor bringing a sense of sophisticated elegance to his role as the wealthy businessman. The three actors play off each other beautifully, with each one bringing their own unique energy to the movie's central love triangle.

The film's setting in Monte Carlo also adds a layer of glamour and intrigue to the story, with stunning shots of luxurious hotels, fashionable nightclubs, and sweeping vistas of the Mediterranean coastline. The movie's lush, romantic score further adds to the film's romantic atmosphere, providing a beautiful backdrop for the unfolding drama.

Despite its somewhat outdated gender politics, Chained remains a captivating and beautifully crafted romance drama that showcases the talents of three of Hollywood's most beloved stars. With its sweeping romance, breathtaking setting, and timeless performances, the movie stands as a classic example of Hollywood storytelling at its very best.

Chained is a 1934 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 16 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3.