Turn Back the Clock (1933)

A middle-aged shopkeeper is given the chance to TURN BACK THE CLOCK and see what his life would have been like had he made other choices when young.

Human dynamo Lee Tracy animates this whimsical fantasy about second chances. (Somewhat ironic, in that a `second chance' was exactly what MGM would not give Tracy after his spectacular fall from grace in 1934.) This was one of 5 films which Tracy would make for MGM in a very busy 1933, his total output at the Studio. As always, he energizes his every scene. Always engaging & enjoyable to watch, it is a shame that he is almost forgotten today.

Costars Clara Blandick (mother), Mae Clarke (wife), George Barbier (father-in-law), and Otto Kruger (rich friend) all provide very competent assistance, but this is really Tracy's film all the way.

Movie mavens will spot uncredited performances by Charley Grapewin as Tracy's boyhood doctor, and The Three Stooges (Moe & Curly Howard and Larry Fine), playing it straight as singers at Tracy's wedding.

Notice the fine attention to detail which MGM gives the shots of Tracy's hometown - the busy streets and authentic-looking buildings. It was this high level of production value - even for a `B' picture such as this - which was one of the Studio's hallmarks.