Other Men’s Women *** (1930, Grant Withers, James Cagney, Mary Astor, Joan Blondell, Regis Toomey) – Classic Movie Review 13,855

Grant Withers stars as a steam locomotive fireman and boozing womaniser falling for his railway co-worker and best pal (Regis Toomey)’s wife (Mary Astor), in the 1930 Warner Bros American drama film Other Men’s Women.

Director William A Wellman’s 1930 Warner Bros American drama film Other Men’s Women [The Steel Highway] is based on a story by Maudie Fulton, and stars Grant Withers, Mary Astor, Regis Toomey, James Cagney, Joan Blondell, and Fred Kohler Sr.

A train-set love triangle is at the heart of this fast-paced drama with train-driver-fireman Bill White (Grant Withers) falling for his railway co-worker and best pal Jack Kulper (Regis Toomey)’s wife Lily (Mary Astor), after the couple offer him a room when is evicted from his boarding house for boozing and late rental payments.

Wellman’s driving handling and the excellent co-star performances from James Cagney as Ed and Joan Blondell as Marie, as well as support from Fred Kohler as Haley and J Farrell MacDonald as Peg-Leg, keep this busy, fast-moving if predictable melodramatic yarn more or less on the right track. It is certainly worthwhile for the cast and for checking out its pre-Code sensibilities.

Cast: Grant Withers as Bill, James Cagney as Ed, Mary Astor as Lily, Joan Blondell as Marie, Regis Toomey as Jack, Walter Long as Bixby, Fred Kohler Sr as Haley, J Farrell MacDonald as Peg-Leg, Lee Moran, Bob Perry, Kewpie Morgan, Pat Hartigan, Lillian Worth as Waitress.

The script has strong similarities to Warner Bros’ films Tiger Shark (1932) and Manpower (1941).

Mary Astor called the film as ‘a piece of cheese’ but praised the performances from Cagney and Blondell.

It was first shown on December 30, 1930 as The Steel Highway but changed to Other Men’s Women for its US general release on January 17, 1931.

Granville Gustavus Withers (January 17, 1905 – March 27, 1959)

Forgotten star Grant Withers appeared in around 200 film and TV roles, though starring roles in major movies dwindled to supporting parts, mainly as villains in B-movies and film serials.

© Derek Winnert 2026 – Classic Movie Review 13,855

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