This is a marvelous example of a "Pre-Code" Hollywood film; i.e., a film that appeared before the strict Production Code was imposed in the mid-1930s. As a result of the time in which it was made, it deals with very adult situations and sex in a much more frank manner than you would have seen just a couple years later. This may surprise some viewers, but many Pre-Code films were actually filled with adultery, nudity or crudeness most incorrectly think began only in the 1960s and 70s.
Constance Bennett and her snappy-talking friend, Pert Kelton, are both being released from prison as the film begins. Instead of being repentant, they are anxious to find and fleece some rich chumps though their brazen sex appeal and willingness to put out if needed! This certainly is NOT the type of film you thought your grandparents would have watched, is it?! Constance's plans are quickly changed when she is nearly re-arrested for swindling some men, so she quickly jumps overboard and makes her way to a lowly barge. On board, she meets nice-guy Joel McCrea, but she soon leaves to look for a rich sucker--not some poor working stiff like him. Through some lying and deceit, she gets a sugar daddy and lives the life of Riley. A bit later, you find that Pert has also hooked a man, though she actually married him instead of becoming his mistress (like Bennett and her beau).
Eventually, though, Bennett tires of her slutty ways and longs to see McCrea and a little romance blossoms. However, since she really does like him down deep, she realizes she's all wrong for him and so she decides to give up her evil ways and get a real job--so she can finally gain some self-respect. Eventually, smitten McCrea catches up to her and they manage to work things out and the film ends on a happy note.
As I mentioned above, this is a very scandalous movie compared to later Hollywood films of the 30s and 40s due to its frankness about sex, snappy double-entendres and because the entire plot revolves around the notion of sleeping your way to success!! In this light alone, it's a very entertaining and amazing film to watch. However, underneath all this sleaze, it's a very good film and is well worth your time. A good example of the genre and a good film regardless.
Constance Bennett and her snappy-talking friend, Pert Kelton, are both being released from prison as the film begins. Instead of being repentant, they are anxious to find and fleece some rich chumps though their brazen sex appeal and willingness to put out if needed! This certainly is NOT the type of film you thought your grandparents would have watched, is it?! Constance's plans are quickly changed when she is nearly re-arrested for swindling some men, so she quickly jumps overboard and makes her way to a lowly barge. On board, she meets nice-guy Joel McCrea, but she soon leaves to look for a rich sucker--not some poor working stiff like him. Through some lying and deceit, she gets a sugar daddy and lives the life of Riley. A bit later, you find that Pert has also hooked a man, though she actually married him instead of becoming his mistress (like Bennett and her beau).
Eventually, though, Bennett tires of her slutty ways and longs to see McCrea and a little romance blossoms. However, since she really does like him down deep, she realizes she's all wrong for him and so she decides to give up her evil ways and get a real job--so she can finally gain some self-respect. Eventually, smitten McCrea catches up to her and they manage to work things out and the film ends on a happy note.
As I mentioned above, this is a very scandalous movie compared to later Hollywood films of the 30s and 40s due to its frankness about sex, snappy double-entendres and because the entire plot revolves around the notion of sleeping your way to success!! In this light alone, it's a very entertaining and amazing film to watch. However, underneath all this sleaze, it's a very good film and is well worth your time. A good example of the genre and a good film regardless.