Early talkie fires off at all comers, with enough sassy language (probably very modern for 1931) and exposed shoulders and gams to please both female and male audiences. Barbara Stanwyck chances into job as trainee nurse at a city hospital, soon becoming an R.N. loaned out for private medical duty. Taking care of a sick child, Stanwyck butts heads with the little girl's drunken mother, the mother's brute of a chauffeur, and the shady doctor on the case, all of whom seem not to care about the child's waning condition. Ballsy, cynical pre-Code drama with intentionally funny asides and sharply-pointed vignettes. Director William Wellman doesn't attempt to reach great heights here; he keeps the tone of the piece grounded (it's very earthy) and uses Stanwyck's no-nonsense appeal to bolster the rest. Fourth-billed Clark Gable takes a pop at Barbara, but she's one "sister" who won't go quietly! For her fans, this is a must-see. **1/2 from ****
Review of Night Nurse
