Desire
1936 · Movie · NR · 95 min · ★ 7.0 · 93% critics
A clever jewel thief uses an unsuspecting American traveler to carry stolen pearls across the border, then tries to get them back before heading to Spain. What starts as a playful crime setup turns into a breezy mix of romance, pursuit, and comedy.
Also known as Pearl Necklace
Where to watch
Streaming on Hulu, Sling TV and The Criterion Channel — or rent from $3.99.
2 hours to watch.
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Details
- Years
- 1936
- Release date
- 1936-04-11
- Language
- English
- Rated
- NR
- Runtime
- 95 min
- Critic score
- 93/100
- TMDB rating
- 7.0/10 (53 votes)
About
You’ll likely enjoy this if you like light, charming crime romances with playful banter and old-Hollywood sparkle, especially if Cluny Brown or History Is Made at Night appeal to you; Not for you if you want sharp suspense or deep drama.
Pros: witty setup; breezy romantic fun; strong lead chemistry | Cons: uneven pacing later; thin story overall; humor may miss
Themes
- spain
- paris, france
- border crossing
- femme fatale
- donostia-san sebastian, spain
- american abroad
- jewel thief
- pearl necklace
- con woman
- hidden jewels
- jewel smuggling
- con artists
- +3 more
Cast & crew
Marlene Dietrich
as Madeleine de Beaupré
Gary Cooper
as Tom Bradley
John Halliday
as Carlos Margoli
William Frawley
as Mr. Gibson
Ernest Cossart
as Aristide Duvalle
Akim Tamiroff
as Avilia
Alan Mowbray
as Dr. Maurice Pauquet
Zeffie Tilbury
as Aunt Olga
George MacQuarrie
as Clerk With Gun
Robert Emmett O'Connor
as Customs Official
Directed by Frank Borzage