This Is My Affair

This Is My Affair is a sweeping romantic crime drama released in 1937, directed by William A. Seiter and featuring an all-star cast, including Robert Taylor, Barbara Stanwyck, Victor McLaglen, Brian Donlevy, and John Carradine. The story is set in the late 19th century and takes audiences through a tumultuous tale of love, patriotism, and crime set against the rich historical backdrop of the United States.

In this movie, Robert Taylor plays Lieutenant Richard L. Perry, an undercover operative chosen by President McKinley to infiltrate a criminal gang suspected of orchestrating a series of audacious bank robberies across the Midwest. Taylor delivers a compelling performance, showcasing a range of emotional depths in portraying the thrills and tribulations of an agent undercover. He skillfully portrays the internal conflict and turmoil that come with his character's need to balance duty, deception, and matters of the heart.

Barbara Stanwyck plays Lil Duryea, an ineradicable character with strength and individuality, showing the dignity and resilience women possessed despite their limited roles in a male-dominated society in that era. Lil works as a singer at a sea side inn owned by her half-brother, Batiste Duryea, portrayed by Brian Donlevy, a place that serves as a front for the criminal operations. Stanwyck shines in her role, infusing her character with a potent mix of tenderness, seductive charm, and shrewdness which makes her character integral to the plot.

The main plot of This Is My Affair is driven by the budding romance between Perry, operating under the alias Joe Patrick, and Lil Duryea, and the tension that ensues. Perry's undercover mission leads him to the inn, where he gets drawn into the world of crime and crosses paths with the magnetic Lil Duryea. As he grapples with the ethical dilemma of being part of the gang for his mission and falling for Lil, audiences are treated to an engrossing tale of love entangled within larger themes of crime, betrayal, and duty.

Veteran Hollywood actor Victor McLaglen plays a critical role as Jock Ramsay, the muscle of the gang, who surprises with his brutish character, which adds another layer to the narrative.

One of the most fascinating aspects of This Is My Affair is the utilization of the historical setting. The story unfolds in 1901, and the production captures the spirit of the era remarkably well. From the meticulous period costumes to the detailed sets, the film transports audiences back in time. Moreover, incorporating real-life President McKinley into the narrative adds an interesting twist to the story, blending fact with fiction and giving the plot an unusual and gripping cloak-and-dagger quality.

The film’s screenplay is credited to Allen Rivkin and Lamar Trotti based on a story by Kubec Glasmon and John Bright, which threads the drama, crime, and romance genres together seamlessly, keeping the viewers at the edge of their seats.

It's not just the riveting performances, engaging script, and the historical elements that make This Is My Affair a compelling watch. The film is also notable for its direction and cinematography, capturing the tense mood and fine details of this period piece. Furthermore, the chemistry between Robert Taylor and Barbara Stanwyck adds to the film’s allure, creating a captivating cinematic experience.

Even after more than eight decades since it graced the big screen, This Is My Affair still holds up as a classic film, leaving a lasting impression with its mix of romance, thrills, and historical details. Whether you're a fan of classic cinema, a history buff, or a student of film, this film encapsulates an intriguing slice of cinema from Hollywood’s golden era that's worth diving into.