In my opinion this film contains a fundamental flaw that skews its basic premise. The Stanwyck character instantly enraptures men to the point that they want to have sex with her immediately-and frequently in semi public places:a railroad car, a business office and a restroom. In the first place, Stanwyck is certainly no raving voluptuous beauty, and even if she were it's still rather preposterous to presume that men could become so addled in her presence. It's almost as if some magic aphrodisiac dust gets sprinkled on men when she smiles at them.
Just so there's no confusion, if this film were released today it would probably be rated PG. The sex isn't depicted, but strongly implied so essentially it all takes place off camera. Perhaps the most daring segment (for the times) is a brief moment where a speakeasy patron hugs Ms Stanwyck's fully clothed torso and appears to brush up against the bottom of her breasts. The only skin on display is when she wears a gown that bares part of her back.
The fundamental premise is tawdry and perhaps was singled out as a prima facie example of what Hollywood was trying to eliminate by enforcement of the Hays/Breen Code. However, the central character is actually presented somewhat sympathetically. The film strongly implies that she was forced into prostitution at age 14, and by her FATHER!! One could say that sex and men are the only things she knows. Why not try to obtain substantial monetary rewards in the process? As the Nietzschean philosopher cobbler character advises her:instead of being exploited, become the exploiter.
While not a good film it's worth seeing once as a genuine curio.
Just so there's no confusion, if this film were released today it would probably be rated PG. The sex isn't depicted, but strongly implied so essentially it all takes place off camera. Perhaps the most daring segment (for the times) is a brief moment where a speakeasy patron hugs Ms Stanwyck's fully clothed torso and appears to brush up against the bottom of her breasts. The only skin on display is when she wears a gown that bares part of her back.
The fundamental premise is tawdry and perhaps was singled out as a prima facie example of what Hollywood was trying to eliminate by enforcement of the Hays/Breen Code. However, the central character is actually presented somewhat sympathetically. The film strongly implies that she was forced into prostitution at age 14, and by her FATHER!! One could say that sex and men are the only things she knows. Why not try to obtain substantial monetary rewards in the process? As the Nietzschean philosopher cobbler character advises her:instead of being exploited, become the exploiter.
While not a good film it's worth seeing once as a genuine curio.
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