Thoroughly enjoyable pre-code gem exploring an all too common situation where a naïve young woman marries a smooth talking scoundrel only to be abandoned when he gets her pregnant. Ruth Chatterton easily makes the transition from innocent newlywed to a woman who becomes too familiar with school of hard knocks. So it's refreshing when George Brent comes into her life with a dose of optimism she sorely needs.
Lilly Turner also explores loyalty and sacrifice. Frank McHugh is there for Chatterton when she needs him most and she repays his kindness staying with him at the end after he breaks his back. By doing so she turns down a chance to start life over with the man of her dreams (Brent) who responds by turning down the job of his dreams to stay with her.
Good acting, solid directing with some nice twists in the plot to keep things interesting. I'd rather watch movies like Lilly Turner than escapist 1930s drivel showing gold-diggers manipulating dumb horny businessmen. This movie touched on a the worst and best in human nature. With substantial editing this could be a good family movie but it's message is more powerful in the original form.
Lilly Turner also explores loyalty and sacrifice. Frank McHugh is there for Chatterton when she needs him most and she repays his kindness staying with him at the end after he breaks his back. By doing so she turns down a chance to start life over with the man of her dreams (Brent) who responds by turning down the job of his dreams to stay with her.
Good acting, solid directing with some nice twists in the plot to keep things interesting. I'd rather watch movies like Lilly Turner than escapist 1930s drivel showing gold-diggers manipulating dumb horny businessmen. This movie touched on a the worst and best in human nature. With substantial editing this could be a good family movie but it's message is more powerful in the original form.