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Poster for Desire

1936 | 95 min | Romance, Crime, Comedy, Drama

Sunday Safe Betearly rating

Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet

Critics loved it (100% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had soft box office and little lasting buzz. A safe bet when you want something reliable.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
If you count yourself among people who root for the clever crook and history and war-film fans, this one's for you. The fun is in the planning, the double-crosses and the moment it all goes sideways. Same wavelength as The Lavender Hill Mob or Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. It puts you in the middle of the fighting, and doesn't let you forget the cost.
The mood
Funny with heart, romantic.
The pace
Gives its people room to develop, at 1 hr 35 min.
What might put you off
  • Made in 1936: an older pace and style.
  • Skip it if romance makes you roll your eyes.

Madeleine steals a string of pearls in Paris and uses American engineer Tom, who is driving on his vacation to Spain, to get the pearls out of France. But getting the pearls back from him proves to be difficult without falling in love.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsVery strong

    100% on Rotten Tomatoes

  • AudiencesNot counted

    Not measured yet: not enough ratings

  • AwardsNot counted

    No major awards or nominations

  • Reach & staying powerBelow par

    Streaming release that reached a small audience so far; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactBelow par

    About 10K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Frank Borzage

  • Marlene DietrichMadeleine de Beaupré
  • Gary CooperTom Bradley
  • John HallidayCarlos Margoli
  • William FrawleyMr. Gibson
  • Ernest CossartAristide Duvalle
  • Akim TamiroffAvilia
  • Alan MowbrayDr. Maurice Pauquet
  • Zeffie TilburyAunt Olga
  • George MacQuarrieClerk With Gun
  • Robert Emmett O'ConnorCustoms Official