The film begins with a college graduation. Four friends lament that they wish they could go to New York to seek their fortune, but they haven't got the money to get there. In magical Hollywood tradition, one of their fathers gives them the money so they can all fly there. Charles Farrell, James Dunn, Ginger Rogers and Janet Gaynor are these four graduates and the story primarily focuses on Gaynor. Dunn is in love with her, but she wants to be friends. However, she is in love with Farrell, but he is smitten with selfish Rogers. An interesting little love quadrangle, huh? Through pluck and determination, Gaynor and Dunn manage to make it in the city, while Farrell has some difficulty getting a job. Rogers seems to make it "the easy way" but exactly how this happened isn't really explained in the film. All you do know is that when she does well, she appears to be "too good" for her old friends--even though Farrell continues to hold a torch for her. When he asks Rogers to marry him, she refuses--as she's found someone better. As a result, Farrell becomes despondent and sick--so sick he's on death's door. When Gaynor discovers him alone and very ill, she stays with him for weeks nursing him back to health. When he finally recovers, he not only is very grateful but also wants to marry her--having realized that Gaynor is the love of his life, not Rogers.
However, although Gaynor is happy, she does begin to wonder if Farrell loves her because of a sense of obligation or only because he couldn't have Rogers. When Rogers writes to say that she did NOT marry the man she ran off with, the audience realizes that Rogers will soon return and try to take back Farrell--leading to a nifty conclusion.
The film is very enjoyable and Gaynor plays her typical "girl next door" sort of role. While this and the rest of the film is rather predictable, it's done very well and you really are sucked into caring for her--you really do want it to have a happy ending. The only unusual thing about the film is Rogers. This was done just before she hit mega-stardom and plays a very unsympathetic character--one of the last of her career. Personally, I liked this because it was nice to see Ginger play someone who wasn't so sweet. Overall, the film is very well done and enjoyable, making it a bit better than just a time passer.
However, although Gaynor is happy, she does begin to wonder if Farrell loves her because of a sense of obligation or only because he couldn't have Rogers. When Rogers writes to say that she did NOT marry the man she ran off with, the audience realizes that Rogers will soon return and try to take back Farrell--leading to a nifty conclusion.
The film is very enjoyable and Gaynor plays her typical "girl next door" sort of role. While this and the rest of the film is rather predictable, it's done very well and you really are sucked into caring for her--you really do want it to have a happy ending. The only unusual thing about the film is Rogers. This was done just before she hit mega-stardom and plays a very unsympathetic character--one of the last of her career. Personally, I liked this because it was nice to see Ginger play someone who wasn't so sweet. Overall, the film is very well done and enjoyable, making it a bit better than just a time passer.