The Man I Love 1929
"What would you do for the one you love?"
Dive into the sparkling world of early talkies with *The Man I Love (1929)*, William A. Wellman's groundbreaking debut into all-sound cinema.
Director: William A. Wellman
Cast
Richard Arlen
Joe "Dum-Dum" Brooks
Mary Brian
Celia Fields
Olga Baclanova
Sonia Barondoff
Harry Green
Curly Bloom
Jack Oakie
Lew Layton
Pat O'Malley
D.J. McCarthy
Leslie Fenton
Carlo Vesper
Charles Sullivan
Champ Mahoney
Sailor Vincent
K.O. O'Hearn
Bob Perry
Gateman
Frequently Asked Questions
What is *The Man I Love* (1929) about?
*The Man I Love* follows Pete, a cocky boxer who's all set to win his big fight—until he crosses paths with the enigmatic Olga. As his feelings for her blur the lines between love and distraction, Pete faces a choice that could cost him both his career and his heart.
Who directed *The Man I Love*?
*The Man I Love* was directed by William A. Wellman, a visionary filmmaker who helped define the language of early sound cinema.
Who stars in *The Man I Love*?
The film stars Richard Arlen as the lead boxer, with Mary Brian as his sweetheart, Olga Baclanova as the seductive newcomer, and Jack Oakie adding sharp comedic energy as a supporting character.
Is *The Man I Love* (1929) worth watching?
With its snappy dialogue, charismatic cast, and lively pre-Code spirit, *The Man I Love* offers a fun snapshot of late-1920s Hollywood. While not a cinematic masterpiece, its charm and historical significance make it a solid pick for fans of early talkies and classic comedies.
How long is *The Man I Love*?
*The Man I Love* runs for 74 minutes.
About The Man I Love (1929) — Arrogance, romance, and a knockout pre-Code comedy
Dive into the sparkling world of early talkies with *The Man I Love (1929)*, William A. Wellman's groundbreaking debut into all-sound cinema. This lively pre-Code comedy weaves a tale of passion, pride, and unexpected desire as arrogant boxer Pete (Richard Arlen) prepares for the fight of his life—only to find his heart hijacked by the magnetic Olga Baclanova in the final hours before the bout. With Mary Brian as his steadfast sweetheart and Jack Oakie delivering sharp comic relief, the film crackles with the electric energy of its era, blending romance, rivalry, and roaring laughter against a backdrop of smoky boxing rings and jazz-age glamour.
Directed by Wellman with a screenplay crafted by Herman Mankiewicz, *The Man I Love* captures the raw charm and moral ambiguity of life in the late 1920s. Baclanova, fresh from her chilling role in *Freaks*, brings a seductive unpredictability to the screen, while Arlen's swaggering protagonist finds his priorities—and affections—flipped upside down in the most delightful way. It's a snapshot of a time when cinema was learning to talk, and hearts were learning to take risks.
