In the 30s and 40s, Johnny Mack Brown made a ton of low-budget westerns. The films were, by an large, enjoyable but slight films-- -quickie productions starring the manly yet genial Brown. He made about a hundred of them--so he was obviously a very popular star. However, with "Cross Street" yet get a rare chance to see him in something OTHER than a western...a romance! So is this cowboy star any good? Read along and see for yourself.
When the film begins, Adam (Brown) is in love. However, his fiancée Anne (Clair Windsor) is a bit stupid and one of Adam's 'friends' convinces her to break the engagement. Soon, Adam's life is a mess and he loses his job as a surgeon. He's a hobo and spends years doing nothing with his life. Much time passes and he's back on his feet and is finally making something of himself and staying sober. Now he meets a new woman--and she seems perfect until he learns the truth. Clara (Anita Louise) is his ex-fiancée's daughter!!! It sure makes for some awkward moments when he and Anne meet once again!!
So is this soap opera film any good? Well, I appreciated that the big twist (that Clara is his ex's daughter) is NOT held out to the end but is introduced more naturally. How everyone reacts and the repercussions make this worth seeing--especially the spiteful and vicious Anne. If you do see it, don't expect a perfect film. A couple times I think Brown could have done a better job (he's GREAT at playing nice but seemed a little less convincing when angry or hurt) and the film is a bit rushed since it's a B-movie. And, the ending was a bit over the top and too selfless! But the film is very interesting and could have made for a terrific A-picture--with more gloss and a longer run time.
By the way, the copy of this film on YouTube is absolutely horrid-- very, very blurry. This would be one best seen on a computer (due to the smaller screen) instead of a big TV like I used.
