How others will see it. This movie will appeal primarily to fans of classic movies. Although John Barrymore is the star, the most recognizable face belongs to Melvyn Douglas, given his later long-lived career.
The dialogue runs a mile a minute, and those without incredible concentration will miss whole chunks of dialogue, and be left wondering who this fashionably dressed woman is, or why the cute switchboard operator has a queasy stomach.
But, eventually, even the less attentive viewer will figure things out. They will also be rewarded with interesting or amusing moments. A young radical gives Barrymore an earful, and hot to trot Douglas cagily negotiates a rendezvous with Barrymore's wife at the cuckold's expense. The perky switchboard operator switches readily between singsong receptionist duty and catty gossip. The devoted Miss Gordon is a bore, as is her persistent but even less interesing admirer, Weinberg (Marvin Kline).
But, fortunately, the unhappy non-couple cedes to more colorful characters, such as talkative gumshoe McFadden (J. Hammond Dailey) and Barrymore's snooty stepchildren.
How I felt about it. Counsellor at Law has the feel of being based on a play, and most of the scenes involve rapid fire conversations on a handful of small sets. The stage-bound nature is lessened by the camera work, which does cut to closer shots to show reactions and emotions.
The problems, instead, are with the characters and their exaggerated actions. A lovely client of Barrymore throws herself at him, to his disgust. The dismal courtship of Gordon by Weinberg apparently plays out doleful scenes several times daily. Barrymore is clueless that his wife uses him, while his secretary pines for him. If he's such a fighter, why does he try to jump out a window?
It doesn't really add up, but the ride does provide an occasional interesting scene to make the film worth a look, if not a full viewing.