This is a an enjoyable, though somewhat dated film, enlivened by the masterful presence of Claude Rains. He completely steals the film, even when surrounded by a solid supporting cast including Bainter and Frank McHugh. But the production code of the era demanded that any character who was "morally tainted" would be made to pay for it eventually in the movie. Warners made no exception here, even though the ending is plausible and frankly, ludicrous.
The plot can be swiftly summarized: Claude Rains suffers from wanderlust and abandons his wife and four daughters. He wanders the globe for 19 years and then returns to his family. Bainter is all set to marry the insipid, puffy Donald Crisp and the daughters hate their wayward father. However, within a week, Rains' legendary charm wins over the whole family, including his ex-wife. It's just absurd to think that Bainter would marry Donald Crisp when Claude Rains, oozing charm from every pore, is sleeping on the sofa downstairs. In any normal normal, Bainter would throw herself in Rains' arms and remain there for all eternity. Watch the last 20 minutes of this soaper and gag at Warners attempt to teach moral lessons.
Despite the ridiculously contrived ending, most of the movie is quite enjoyable and worth a watch.
The plot can be swiftly summarized: Claude Rains suffers from wanderlust and abandons his wife and four daughters. He wanders the globe for 19 years and then returns to his family. Bainter is all set to marry the insipid, puffy Donald Crisp and the daughters hate their wayward father. However, within a week, Rains' legendary charm wins over the whole family, including his ex-wife. It's just absurd to think that Bainter would marry Donald Crisp when Claude Rains, oozing charm from every pore, is sleeping on the sofa downstairs. In any normal normal, Bainter would throw herself in Rains' arms and remain there for all eternity. Watch the last 20 minutes of this soaper and gag at Warners attempt to teach moral lessons.
Despite the ridiculously contrived ending, most of the movie is quite enjoyable and worth a watch.