Anna Lucasta

While this story was remade by United Artists nine years later with Earth Kitt taking over the title role (and Eartha is quite good), I prefer this earlier version. Why? Probably because Paulette Goddard is an unsung goddess. Such calm, grace and glamour– she is very self-assured and gives the role of a prostitute something lesser talents would never give it: dignity.

Broderick Crawford is also very good, a year before ALL THE KING'S MEN. And Mary Wickes has a decent supporting part, a chance to really act minus the usual wisecracks. Plus John Ireland provides eye candy which never hurt anyone.