Watch Personal Property

Personal Property, a romantic comedy produced in 1937, stars the legendary Jean Harlow as the free-spirited Crystal Wetherby and Robert Taylor as the straight-laced Raymond Dabney in their second on-screen collaboration. Directed by W.S. Van Dyke and based on the novel "The Rich Are Different" by F. Scott Fitzgerald, the film follows the unexpected love story between the two main characters, complicated by class differences and Crystal's pesky ex-husband.

Crystal, a young and beautiful woman, has been living off her ex-husbands' alimony payments and is now in search of a new victim to finance her lavish lifestyle. She sets her sights on Raymond, a wealthy and intelligent man, who happens to be engaged to someone else. In a twist of fate, Raymond is introduced to Crystal by his butler, Eddy (Reginald Owen), who previously worked for Crystal's ex-husband. Raymond is immediately drawn to Crystal's carefree and fun-loving personality, and she reciprocates his interest.

As their romance blossoms, Crystal finds herself struggling with her own conscience as she realizes that she genuinely cares for Raymond despite her initial intention to marry him for his money. Meanwhile, Raymond's fiancee, Claire (Una O'Connor), becomes increasingly jealous of Crystal and tries to sabotage their relationship at every opportunity.

Adding to the complexity of the situation is Crystal's ex-husband, Claude (Henry Kolker), who is eager to have her back, and her former lover, Robert (Elisha Cook Jr.), who is still in love with her. Crystal's personal antics consistently create chaos as she attempts to navigate her feelings for Raymond while juggling her past relationships and the expectations of her wealthy and demanding social circle.

Throughout Personal Property, the dynamic chemistry between Harlow and Taylor keeps the audience engaged and rooting for their unlikely love story to succeed. Harlow's portrayal of Crystal is both entertaining and vulnerable, showcasing her versatility as an actress, while Taylor's performance as the initially reserved Raymond allows him to shed his prior "pretty boy" image and demonstrate his acting chops.

The film's dialogue is witty and sharp, reflecting the glamour and sophistication of the 1930s Hollywood scene. This, combined with the exquisite set design and costumes, creates a timeless appeal that resonates with audiences even almost a century later. The movie's plot twists and turns culminate in an unexpected ending that exemplifies its romantic comedy genre.

In conclusion, Personal Property is a classic romantic comedy that brings together two of the most iconic celebrities of the Golden Age of Hollywood, Jean Harlow and Robert Taylor. The film's underlying theme of materialism versus true love, along with its star-studded cast, memorable characters, and captivating plot, solidify it as a must-see for fans of the era and fans of the genre alike.

Personal Property is a 1937 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 24 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5.