This is definitely not the usual predictable society cad seducing the innocent girl from the wrong side of the tracks story. Well it is but it's also a hard hitting, exciting and intriguing drama that will have you on the edge of your seat - I know it's ancient but honestly it's fabulous and not just for 30s aficionados.
The beginning of this superb picture gives the impression that it's going to be that same old story, so common in pre-code movies of the over-privileged rich boy worming his way into the affections of the sweet naive young thing and ruining her life. To start with that's exactly what this is but it actually tells that story so extremely well that if that's all this was it would be one of the very best of that genre. You can see what Mr Wealthy is up to, you want to shout 'no' to Miss Innocent but you yourself can also understand - no, feel exactly what she's feeling too. Perfect storytelling.
Half way through, just when you think you know how this is going to end we are thrown some jaw-dropping plot twists which you'd never guess yet it all seems so believable.
Earle Kenton is certainly not one of those directors with a fan base. I doubt anyone makes a list of his pictures then works through them! The direction of this film however is outstanding - it's up there with the best of them. That this also has Paramount's top cinematographer Karl Struss on board, giving us some gorgeous fluid camerawork which also helps of course but this is Kenton's film.
His actors don't just act, they become real people, people you care about. There's none of that residue from the silent days of over gesturing or acting like they're on stage. Everyone looks natural, acts natural and talks natural. Helen Twelvetrees is remarkable and even Bruce Cabot - whom I thought was quite wooden in KING KONG comes across as authentic and genuine - in a sneaky sort of way.
We're also treated to the impossibility beautiful epitome of sophistication, Adrienne Ames as Cabot's other woman (and in real life, soon to be wife). She doesn't have to act too hard because she basically plays herself - the society glamour model turned fashion icon and celebrity of the age. She's perfect for this role.
If you watch this on that free Russian website you'll find that the sound quality is atrocious - don't let that put you off. Stick with it - you'll be so glad you did.
