The Gambling Sex

When Ruth Hall's father dies, she inherits a considerable estate. Grant Withers and Maston Williams both want to marry her: Williams because she is rich, and Withers because he's in love. While Williams helps her spend her money at the gambling tables, Withers doesn't say anything out of pride. But Miss Hall is gambling the money away. Williams doesn't notice.

It's not a particularly well-written movie, since it lacks any insight into the urges or, indeed, addiction to gambling that afflicts a substantial portion of the population. However, it is fascinating to watch Miss Hall, who gives a superb physical performance. It is one in which you can read her every emotion. It's a pity that director Fred Newmeyer could not offer her sufficient direction to make the words of this Poverty Row movie equally interesting.

Miss Hall was born Ruth Gloria Blasco Ibáñez; the connection her novelist uncle had may have helped her in her career. Despite being a WAMPAS Baby Star, it had ended by 1935, and she retired to raise two children by husband Lee Garmes and to run an avocado farm. She died in 2003 at the age of 92.