Trees are straight and strong the young Joan Bennett exclaims in the unique opening credits which introduces most of the characters of this atmospheric drama with a western feeling. Bennett has been pursued by nearly all of the men in her community, married and single, and has declared her love for none of them. But when Charles Farrell comes along and finds her skinny-dipping, a spark is felt. He's coming to town to seek revenge against a notorious bad man for abusing his sister and this results in him being sentenced to hanging along with the husband of Sarah Padden for stagecoach robbing. it's obvious that a lot of people in town had reasons to want to see the man Farrell is accused of killing dead, and that includes some of the men who wanted then it for themselves. They include gambler Ralph Bellamy (dressed all in black) and the slimy Irving Pichel.
While slow-moving and a bit creaky, this is an enjoyable film if you allow yourself to get past its technical flaws. Eugene pallette is big-hearted and funny as Bennett's wealthy father who brings food to the poor and Louise Beavers, in an unbilled part, makes the most of her role as Bennett's loving companion. The outdoor setting, showing dear, bears and a gorgeous hooting owl, is nicely photographed. Fans of Joan Bennett will barely recognize her here although the toughness that she showed in later rolls is obviously present. Her voice hadn't yet deepened and she was still in her platinum blonde stage.
While Bellamy's character appears to be a villain in the credits, he has a light-hearted attitude in general, as shown in his card game with a group of kids, and is eventually accepting of the fact that he'll never win Bennett. Of the supporting cast, Sarah Padden comes off the best as the tired wife of a bad man she can't escape. This is an intriguing pre-code film that may not quite stand the test of time but has elements that for fans of this era and the terriffic cast will make it quite memorable. The direction by rausch is top-notch and helps pull the film together.
While slow-moving and a bit creaky, this is an enjoyable film if you allow yourself to get past its technical flaws. Eugene pallette is big-hearted and funny as Bennett's wealthy father who brings food to the poor and Louise Beavers, in an unbilled part, makes the most of her role as Bennett's loving companion. The outdoor setting, showing dear, bears and a gorgeous hooting owl, is nicely photographed. Fans of Joan Bennett will barely recognize her here although the toughness that she showed in later rolls is obviously present. Her voice hadn't yet deepened and she was still in her platinum blonde stage.
While Bellamy's character appears to be a villain in the credits, he has a light-hearted attitude in general, as shown in his card game with a group of kids, and is eventually accepting of the fact that he'll never win Bennett. Of the supporting cast, Sarah Padden comes off the best as the tired wife of a bad man she can't escape. This is an intriguing pre-code film that may not quite stand the test of time but has elements that for fans of this era and the terriffic cast will make it quite memorable. The direction by rausch is top-notch and helps pull the film together.