Gloria Swanson netted a best actress Oscar nomination for her first talking role as the long suffering working girl destined to raise her son alone after her society conscious father-in-law unduly influences her husband to have their marriage annulled. Swanson then picks herself up by her bootstraps and manages to survive without "money" until she can't anymore. Then the inevitable showdown ensues. Despite being a sudser in retrospect, Swanson's earnest performance grabs the viewer. She imbues the character of Marion Donnell with endurance, nobility, and strength, utilizing some of her experience/style as a silent film actress. The cast clearly does not have the acting chops of Swanson, but the story's transitions and movement in the plot do not depend on any other character but Swanson's, so Swanson's part is written to carry the film. Later famous cinematographer Gregg Toland had a hand in the cinematography.
Director Edmund Goulding wrote and directed the film, which was executive produced by Swanson's long time love Joseph P. Kennedy. Swanson originally hired Goulding to help complete Queen Kelly, and Goulding turned the association with Swanson into this film after writing a script. Some viewers may criticize the film for its possibly dated, over-the-top performance by Swanson and unbelievable coincidences which abound. However, the film was released a mere couple weeks after the stock market crash of October 1929, which quickly ushered in the Great Depression, and considering that fact, the film surely tugged on the heartstrings of millions who faced an uncertain future as a result. Swanson, in her first talking film, even sings a couple songs too. Although creaky and limited in emotional scope, the film still is worthwhile viewing for Swanson's performance. *** of 4 stars.
Director Edmund Goulding wrote and directed the film, which was executive produced by Swanson's long time love Joseph P. Kennedy. Swanson originally hired Goulding to help complete Queen Kelly, and Goulding turned the association with Swanson into this film after writing a script. Some viewers may criticize the film for its possibly dated, over-the-top performance by Swanson and unbelievable coincidences which abound. However, the film was released a mere couple weeks after the stock market crash of October 1929, which quickly ushered in the Great Depression, and considering that fact, the film surely tugged on the heartstrings of millions who faced an uncertain future as a result. Swanson, in her first talking film, even sings a couple songs too. Although creaky and limited in emotional scope, the film still is worthwhile viewing for Swanson's performance. *** of 4 stars.