The film begins with the American, Stella Parish, well on her way to becoming the #1 star of the British stage. Yet, on the night of her greatest triumph, she disappears. This is because Stella (Kay Francis) has a hidden past as well as a daughter she's been keeping a secret. When her old mobster husband (Barton MacLane) finds her in London, this is what prompts her to disappear.
Ian Hunter plays a very nosy reporter who inexplicably does some amazing things to try to find her. He actually goes to the trouble of following her trail on board a cruise ship, but finding Stella isn't easy, as she's in disguise as her daughter's 'aunt'. Ian insinuates himself in their lives and behaves like a friend---all the while planning on revealing her secrets once he learns them all. However, once he realizes exactly who she is and why she ran, he isn't terribly keen on betraying her to the public--though he already had sent some of the story to his publisher! But stopping this story is imperative, as by this point, Stella has fallen for him and he's come to realize what a great old gal she really is. Where this all eventually leads is,...well,...crazy! Up until the end, it's hard to dislike the film in spite of its faults but the end disappoints.
This plot is all very hard to believe and if you can't get past all this, the film will be tough going. However, if you can look past this, the film is an entertaining soap opera--thanks mostly to good acting and direction. Also, when it comes to Stella's daughter, you'll either find her the most adorable thing you've ever seen on film or she'll make your blood sugar level shoot to the moon! Worth seeing but far from perfect.
Ian Hunter plays a very nosy reporter who inexplicably does some amazing things to try to find her. He actually goes to the trouble of following her trail on board a cruise ship, but finding Stella isn't easy, as she's in disguise as her daughter's 'aunt'. Ian insinuates himself in their lives and behaves like a friend---all the while planning on revealing her secrets once he learns them all. However, once he realizes exactly who she is and why she ran, he isn't terribly keen on betraying her to the public--though he already had sent some of the story to his publisher! But stopping this story is imperative, as by this point, Stella has fallen for him and he's come to realize what a great old gal she really is. Where this all eventually leads is,...well,...crazy! Up until the end, it's hard to dislike the film in spite of its faults but the end disappoints.
This plot is all very hard to believe and if you can't get past all this, the film will be tough going. However, if you can look past this, the film is an entertaining soap opera--thanks mostly to good acting and direction. Also, when it comes to Stella's daughter, you'll either find her the most adorable thing you've ever seen on film or she'll make your blood sugar level shoot to the moon! Worth seeing but far from perfect.