Untamed

Plot

Bingo, a wild and untamed oil heiress who was raised in the jungles of South America, arrives in Manhattan with one mission: to find and marry the man of her dreams. She sets her sights on Andy McAllister, a handsome but penniless newspaper reporter who is immediately captivated by her exotic beauty and unconventional behavior. Despite their mutual attraction, Andy refuses to consider marriage until he can provide for the wealthy heiress, maintaining his pride and independence. Bingo's Uncle Ben, who controls her fortune, actively works to sabotage their romance, believing Andy is just another fortune hunter. The film follows Bingo's outrageous attempts to win Andy's heart while navigating the sophisticated world of New York high society, culminating in a dramatic confrontation where love and pride must be reconciled.

Historical Background

Untamed was produced and released in 1929, a pivotal year in both cinema history and American history. The film industry was in the midst of the sound revolution, with studios rushing to convert their silent stars and productions to the new talkie format. This transition created both opportunities and challenges for actors and filmmakers alike. The film was released just days after the devastating stock market crash of October 29, 1929, which marked the beginning of the Great Depression. This economic catastrophe would soon transform Hollywood's output, with audiences seeking escapist entertainment during hard times. The film's themes of wealth, class differences, and romance between rich and poor characters resonated with audiences during this period of economic uncertainty. The early sound era also saw significant changes in acting styles, with performers having to adapt their craft to include dialogue delivery and vocal performance.

Making Of

The production of 'Untamed' took place during a revolutionary period in Hollywood history - the transition from silent films to talkies. MGM invested significantly in sound technology, and this film was part of their strategy to convert their successful silent stars to sound. Joan Crawford, who had been a major silent film star, underwent extensive voice training to prepare for her speaking debut. The studio was initially concerned about her vocal qualities, but her performance proved successful. Director Jack Conway had to adapt his directing style to accommodate the technical limitations of early sound recording, which required microphones to be hidden in set pieces and restricted camera movement. The cast had to learn to project their voices naturally while avoiding the exaggerated acting styles common in silent films. The jungle sets were among the most expensive elements of the production, designed to create an exotic backdrop for the character's backstory.

Visual Style

The cinematography of 'Untamed' reflects the transitional period of early sound cinema, when cameras were often confined to soundproof booths to prevent microphone interference. Cinematographer Oliver T. Marsh had to work within these technical constraints while still creating visually interesting scenes. The film features the high-key lighting typical of MGM productions of the era, with careful attention to lighting Crawford's face to maximize her star appeal. The jungle sequences utilize creative set design and lighting to create an exotic atmosphere, contrasting with the more sophisticated urban settings of New York. The camera work is more static than in late silent films, a necessary adaptation to early sound recording equipment, but Marsh manages to maintain visual interest through composition and lighting variations.

Innovations

As one of MGM's early sound productions, 'Untamed' represented several technical achievements for the studio. The film successfully demonstrated that silent film star Joan Crawford could make the transition to sound pictures, validating MGM's investment in her career. The production utilized the latest sound recording technology available in 1929, including improved microphone placement techniques that allowed for slightly more camera movement than in very early talkies. The jungle set designs incorporated innovative techniques for creating exotic environments within studio limitations. The film's sound mixing, while primitive by modern standards, was considered advanced for its time, successfully balancing dialogue, music, and sound effects. The technical team managed to overcome many of the challenges of early sound recording to create a coherent and engaging audio-visual experience.

Music

The film's musical score was composed by William Axt, who was one of MGM's primary composers during the late 1920s and early 1930s. As an early sound film, 'Untamed' featured both synchronized music and dialogue, typical of the hybrid productions of the transition period. The score included romantic themes for the love scenes, more exotic-sounding music for the jungle sequences, and lighter comedic pieces for the film's humorous moments. The soundtrack also included diegetic music, such as background music in social scenes. The sound quality reflects the technical limitations of 1929 recording technology, with some hiss and limited dynamic range, but was considered quite good for its time. The musical elements helped smooth the transition between scenes and enhanced the emotional impact of key moments.

Memorable Scenes

• The opening sequence introducing Bingo's jungle upbringing, complete with exotic animals and tribal influences, establishing her wild nature before she arrives in civilization.
• Bingo's dramatic entrance at a high society party, where her unconventional behavior and clothing shock the sophisticated guests.
• The scene where Bingo attempts to cook for Andy in her apartment, resulting in comedic chaos as her jungle skills prove useless in a modern kitchen.
• The emotional confrontation between Bingo and Uncle Ben where he reveals his opposition to her relationship with Andy.
• The final reconciliation scene where Andy finally accepts Bingo's love despite their class differences.

What Critics Said

Contemporary critics generally praised Joan Crawford's successful transition to sound films, with many reviews specifically commenting on her pleasing voice and natural speaking style. The New York Times noted that Crawford 'handles her first speaking role with considerable assurance' and that her voice 'proved to be an asset rather than a liability.' Variety magazine praised the film's entertainment value and the chemistry between Crawford and Montgomery. Some critics found the plot predictable but acknowledged the film's charm and the strong performances. Modern retrospective assessments view 'Untamed' as an interesting example of early sound cinema that successfully showcases Crawford's star power and adaptability. Film historians often cite it as an important transitional work that demonstrates both the limitations and possibilities of early sound technology.

What Audiences Thought

Audiences in 1929 responded positively to 'Untamed,' particularly fans of Joan Crawford who were eager to hear their favorite star speak. The film performed reasonably well at the box office, considering the timing of its release during the early days of the Depression. Moviegoers were fascinated by the novelty of sound films and were drawn to stories featuring glamorous stars in romantic situations. Crawford's portrayal of the wild, untamed heiress resonated with audiences seeking escapist entertainment during increasingly difficult economic times. The film's mix of romance, comedy, and drama appealed to broad audiences, and the chemistry between Crawford and Montgomery was particularly well-received. While not as financially successful as some of MGM's other productions of the period, the film solidified Crawford's status as a bankable star in the sound era.

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