Is Beauty for the Asking Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1939)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

In the evolving tapestry of Romance, Drama cinema, the 1939 release of Beauty for the Asking stands as a landmark endeavor that pushes the boundaries of conventional storytelling. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Denny breaks up with his fiancée Jean to marries wealthy Flora. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Romance, Drama are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "Denny breaks up with his fiancée Jean to marries wealthy Flora. When Jean is fired from her job she decides to market the face cream she invented. After sending it to twelve rich woman, only Flora decides to invest in the business. As Denny has no job, the girls give him an office at the factory. The business takes off, but Jean finds that she is still in love with Denny and Denny seems to forget he is married to Flora."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. While the script occasionally leans into familiar territory, the efforts of Lucille Ball ensure that the emotional beats of Beauty for the Asking always land with sufficient weight. Lucille Ball provides a steady, reliable performance that anchors the film through its narrative shifts.

The direction by Glenn Tryon is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 68 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is Beauty for the Asking truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Romance, Drama, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 5.2/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, Beauty for the Asking explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 1939 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Glenn Tryon respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, Beauty for the Asking is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Lucille Ball or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Beauty for the Asking is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.