This week’s mystery movie was the 1931 First National picture Chances by A. Hamilton Gibbs, with Douglas Fairbanks Jr., Rose Hobart, Anthony Bushell, Holmes Herbert, Mary Forbes, Edmond Breon and Harry Allen.
Adaptation by Waldemar Young.
Photography by Ernest Haller. Art direction by Esdras Hartley.
Edited by Ray Curtiss. Wardrobe by Earl Luick.
Vitaphone Orchestra conducted by David Mendoza.
Directed by Alan Dwan.
More information about Chances is available from the AFI catalog.
Chances is available on a Warner Archive DVD from Amazon (and on backorder from Critics’ Choice Videos).
Chances has aired seven times on TCM in the last 25 years, most recently in March 2021.
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I picked Chances on the basis of a tweet by Lou Lumenick, who posted a 1967 ad for a film series Aspects of the Thirties hosted by William K. Everson at the New School.
Thanks, Lou!
I’m going to say that Mordaunt Hall hated the picture, but let’s see.
I’m half right. Mordaunt Hall reviewed the picture (New York Times, June 12, 1931), but he loved it!
After some of the effusions that have recently decorated screens it is a great pleasure to behold a picture like Chances, which was presented last night by Warner Brothers at their Hollywood Theatre. it is a thoroughly human story of war and love, taken from A. Hamilton Gibbs’ novel. it rings true in every episode, nothing being overdone, for which Alan Dwan, the director, deserves much credit.
For Monday, we have a mystery couple. The mystery lady appears to be taken with our mysterious leading man (off-screen) and is ignoring her mysterious companion, who does not approve of such goings-on.
Update: This is Florence Britton and Tyrell Davis.
For Tuesday, we have a mystery woman.
Update: This is May Beatty.
Brain Trust roll call: Howard Mandelbaum (Monday’s mystery chap), Suzanne Stone (Monday’s mysterious chap), Mike Hawks (Monday’s mystery chap) and Sheila (Monday’s mystery bloke).
Welcome Back Howard!
For “Hm Wednesday,” we have a mysterious woman. She approves of such goings-on. Rather, she approves of what she thinks is going on. If she knew what was actually going on, she would not approve.
Update: This is Mary Forbes.
Brain Trust roll call: Megan and Thom (Tuesday’s mystery woman).
For “Aha Thursday,” we have a mystery gent.
Update: This is Anthony Bushell.
And another mysterious fellow.
Update: This is Holmes Herbert.
Brain Trust roll call: Mary Mallory (mystery movie and all mystery guests), Jenny M. (Wednesday’s mystery woman), Sheila (mystery movie and Monday’s and Wednesday’s mystery women), Howard Mandelbaum (mystery movie and Wednesday’s mystery woman) and Eve Golden (Monday’s mysterious silly ass).
For Friday, we have a mystery woman.
Update: This is Rose Hobart.
We also have a mystery gent.
This is Douglas Fairbanks Jr.
Brain Trust roll call: Mary Mallory (Thursday’s mystery officer No. 1), Mike Hawks (mystery movie and Wednesday’s and Thursday’s mystery guests), Howard Mandelbaum (Thursday’s mystery guests).
ladailymirror.com 
Tyrell Davis.
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Tyrell Davis in “Our Betters” 1933 film directed by George Cukor and starring Constace Bennett. Is Tyrell dancing with Connie? Can’t tell!
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Tyrell Davis.
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Tyrell Davis for Monday!
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If I could hear his voice, I’d guess Robert Armstrong. Perhaps in the original, ‘The Most Dangerous Game’ from 1932..
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An interesting guess, but alas, I’m afraid not.
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If my first guess is correct, she could by the ever-popular, Fay Wray.
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Yayyyy. I have no clue. I’m so happy to see Howard’s name.
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Our mystery guest for today is May Beatty,
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THE PHANTOM OF PARIS 1931.
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An excellent guess! The right era, but Ann Dvorak will not be joining us this week.
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CHANCES. Florence Britton and Tyrell Davis Monday, May Beatty Tuesday, and Mary Forbes today.
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Mary Forbes
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Florence Britton, Mary Forbes in ‘Chances’?
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Mary Forbes in CHANCES (1931)
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Well, he’s Tyrell Davis, but I’ll be danged if I am going through the cast list of all of his films to figure who everyone else is.
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Anthony Bushell and Edmund Breon. Bushell worked a lot with Olivier, and letters he wrote later in life detailing his film work, etc. are now at the Herrick.
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Mary Forbes, Anthony Bushell and Holmes Herbert in in CHANCES.
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Well, at least I can get John Wayne on a train…I think! Boy!
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An excellent guess. But alas….
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Anthony Bushell; Holmes Herbert.
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Chances (1931) w/Douglas Fairbanks, jr, Rose Hobart, Mary Forbes, Anthony Bushell, Holmes Herbert, May Beatty,Tyrell Davis, Florence Griffin, Jean Fenwick…
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Rose Hobart; Douglas Fairbanks, Jr.
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I feel that Friday is too late to comment; I could have tried earlier but chances are I would have been wrong, so I’ll just have to pass this week.
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Rose Hobart and Douglas Fairbanks, Jr.
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Our film is Chances from ’31
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Monday gent is Tyrell Davis
Wed is Mary Forbes
Tues is May Beatty
Thurs Anthony Bushnell and Holmes Herbert
Fri are Douglas Fairbanks Jr and Rose Hobart
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Monday gal dancing might be Ruth Hall
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Doug Fairbanks jr. Tosay.
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Doug Fairbanks Jr.
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Chances are I woulda been right.
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Indeed!
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