On the verge of suicide, a sensitive young woman (Barbara Stanwyck) is saved by a dashing older man (Frank Morgan) whom, out of gratitude, she marries for companionship. He realizes that the marriage could collapse at any minute and demands that they remain honest with each other. Of course, another man (Ricardo Cortez) comes along and Stanwyck must heartbreakingly end things with Morgan. But obviously other plans are meant for her, leaving a grave decision in her heart that will guide all three parties destinies.
Sweetly told, this is a majorly glossy Warner Brothers soaper, more along the line of the Joan Crawford clothes horse women's pictures over at MGM and similar to the type of things most of Paramount's band of leading ladies were performing in. Stanwyck plays one of her most lady- like characters, and even if her physical image defies that, her sincerity overshadows the tough image she usually projects. Morgan, five years before achieving Hollywood immortality for "The Wizard of Oz", is one of those noble older man who obviously deserves Stanwyck's love (or at least his loyalty), and you know that she hurts just as much for breaking his heart.
Cortez lends sophisticated authority to his role, making his character both understanding and mildly self-serving, so the decision Stanwyck must make is a difficult one, leaving no villains, only real humans, in a very tough predicament. Rafaela Ottiano is memorable as Morgan's long- time housekeeper, less severe than normal, and equally sympathetic as she places no judgments on her employer's younger wife and seems to be equally understanding to her predicament. Gentle almost to the point of lathargicness, this is a unique film because it is not necessarily a great one, yet too likable to dismiss as romantic clap-trap. Stanwyck looks great in Orry-Kelly designs, and beautiful photography and lavish art direction add to the film's enjoyment.
Sweetly told, this is a majorly glossy Warner Brothers soaper, more along the line of the Joan Crawford clothes horse women's pictures over at MGM and similar to the type of things most of Paramount's band of leading ladies were performing in. Stanwyck plays one of her most lady- like characters, and even if her physical image defies that, her sincerity overshadows the tough image she usually projects. Morgan, five years before achieving Hollywood immortality for "The Wizard of Oz", is one of those noble older man who obviously deserves Stanwyck's love (or at least his loyalty), and you know that she hurts just as much for breaking his heart.
Cortez lends sophisticated authority to his role, making his character both understanding and mildly self-serving, so the decision Stanwyck must make is a difficult one, leaving no villains, only real humans, in a very tough predicament. Rafaela Ottiano is memorable as Morgan's long- time housekeeper, less severe than normal, and equally sympathetic as she places no judgments on her employer's younger wife and seems to be equally understanding to her predicament. Gentle almost to the point of lathargicness, this is a unique film because it is not necessarily a great one, yet too likable to dismiss as romantic clap-trap. Stanwyck looks great in Orry-Kelly designs, and beautiful photography and lavish art direction add to the film's enjoyment.